Flagstaff AZ (April 18, 2013) – The spring season for collecting live trees, known as “wildings,” from National Forest lands begins Friday on the Coconino National Forest.
Wilding permits will be issued beginning this Friday until Friday, May 17, and are valid for plant collection through Sunday May 19. Permits can be obtained from the Forest Service office in the District you wish to collect trees.
- Flagstaff District: Forest Supervisor’s Office, 1824 S. Thompson St. in Flagstaff
- Red Rock District: 8375 State Route 179, Sedona, Arizona (Just south of the Village of Oak Creek)
- Mogollon Rim District: 8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ 86024
There are typically two wildings permit seasons – one in the spring and another in the fall, for approximately one month while plants are dormant. Permits will be available for coniferous trees only (Douglas fir, white fir, ponderosa pine, pinyon pine, and juniper). Due to the severe decline of aspen stands across the forest and lack of natural regeneration, aspen seedlings will not be offered.
Trees up to 12 feet tall may be collected; however for the best chance of successful transplanting, foresters recommend that selected seedlings be much smaller in size – less than four feet. The fee is $1.00 per foot, with a minimum fee of $20.00 per permit. Maps of designated gathering locations, along with transplanting recommendations, are provided with the permit.