Flagstaff AZ (April 15, 2014) – The spring season for collecting live trees, known as wildings, from National Forest lands, began Friday, April 11th on the Coconino National Forest. Permits will be offered until Friday, May 9th and are valid for plant collection through Sunday, May 11th.
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.
When transplanting, remember to take advantage of the information available through the Firewise program (www.firewise.org). Homeowners living in or near the wildland-urban interface are responsible for “fireproofing” their private property. They can also contact municipal and county fire departments and state fire management agencies.
Permits are available at the following locations:
- Coconino National Forest Supervisor’s Office, Flagstaff; 928-527-3600; 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Flagstaff Ranger Station, Flagstaff; 928-526-0866; 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Mogollon Rim Ranger Station, Happy Jack; 928-477-2255; 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (No permits sold after 3:45 p.m.)