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Show Permits needed to take Desert Plants J- . . v I i r Mai , in mil v ..V.,,'Av .-" Joshua trees, which have grown in commercial price and popularity in recent years, are available legally now by purchasing a permit to dig one from a designated plot of public land southwest of St. George in Washington County. Frank Rowley, Dixie Resource Area Manager, said the decision to sell permits for individuals to dig Joshua trees, prickly pear and other cacti came after a recent up-date of land management plans which recognized the need for these products as well as the problems caused by indiscriminate in-discriminate taking of the plants. NOW FOR SALE. The Joshua Tree, used extensively for honme decorating and once off limits to hunters, is now for sale in the Dixie area, All vegetative material, such as cacti, live trees, shrubs and firewood are now included in the permit system. In the past, BLM permits were not available for live plants such as trees and cacti. Increased public requests resulted in the re-evaluation re-evaluation and subsequent change to allow sales. All sales are to individuals only, not for commercial re-sale. Rowley said the permits provide valuable data that can be used in future decision-making since they indicate high use areas and the demand for such products. This can' then be used to balance utilization with the need to conserve and maintain the desert ecosystem. Directions to the designated plot are given to individuals when they purchase the permits which can be" obtained from the Dixie Resource Area Office at 24 E. St. George Boulevard in St. George. |