Flagstaff AZ (November 15, 2017) – People wanting to collect live trees, known as wildings, from Coconino National Forest may buy their permits beginning Monday (Nov. 20) and collect the trees until Dec. 10.
There are typically two wildings permit seasons, one in the fall and another in the spring, for approximately one month while the 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. The wilding season is later this year because the weather has stayed warmer and trees did not enter into a dormancy period until later in the fall.
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 per foot, with a minimum fee of $20 per permit. Maps of designated gathering locations, along with transplanting recommendations, are provided with the permit.
Permits are available at the following locations:
- Coconino NF Supervisor’s Office, 1824 S. Thompson St., Flagstaff; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Flagstaff Ranger Station, across from the Mall at 5057 N. Hwy 89, Flagstaff; 928-526-0866; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Red Rock Ranger Station, 8375 State Route 179, Sedona; 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Visitor Center Open 7 days a week)
- Mogollon Rim Ranger Station, 8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack; 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (No permits sold after 3:45 p.m.)