Collection Places Near Yosemite

[Bryanteoa]

Hello!

I have a trip coming up where I’ll be flying into Fresno and driving into Yosemite. I would really like to collect a smaller tree or two, but realize it’s absolutely illegal in Yosemite. Is anyone aware of a good location between Fresno and Yosemite where I could collect a couple trees legally? I don’t mind applying for a permit, I’m just not familiar with the area. Appreciate the tips. Cheers

 

[19Mateo83]

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

Most people don't share their collecting spots for the same reason people don't share their fishing or hunting spots. So don't count on solid advice in this case

 

[Bonsai Nut]

There are many threads on this subject so dig a little deeper into the site. Bottom line, you have to make sure you understand the checkerboard of public land space in California, and the overlapping jurisdictions. National Parks, National Wilderness, and State Parks are strictly "no touch". National Forest is where you will have the best luck, but different forests have different rangers and different rules. Many will grant collection permits for specific species, a limited number, and no-commercial use. Think about what you are looking for, do the research to make sure you know where the species is located, and then call the affiliated ranger station. Don't just show up with a shovel thinking you will just look around and dig up whatever looks best.

FWIW, more than 50% of California is public land, so it is a LOT of area - somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 million acres.

 

[BrianBay9]

While your transiting through Fresno, stop in and see the Clark Bonsai Museum at the Shinzen Gardens, Woodward Park.

Clark Bonsai Museum

clarkbonsaimuseum.org

 

[Cruiser]

Hello!

I have a trip coming up where I’ll be flying into Fresno and driving into Yosemite. I would really like to collect a smaller tree or two, but realize it’s absolutely illegal in Yosemite. Is anyone aware of a good location between Fresno and Yosemite where I could collect a couple trees legally? I don’t mind applying for a permit, I’m just not familiar with the area. Appreciate the tips. Cheers

Be sure to take lots of photos of amazing trees while you’re there, especially the strange features and damage some display. Think about them, study them, come to understand why they look the way they do. Figure out their stories. This will improve your bonsai game far more than collecting something.

Where are you flying in from? Air travel with even a small collected tree is going to be a pain in the ass.


The largest known Jeffrey pine in Yosemite is just off Tioga Pass road. The park is also home to some amazing sugar pines. Their cones are a must have for any collection.

 

[Bryanteoa]

Be sure to take lots of photos of amazing trees while you’re there, especially the strange features and damage some display. Think about them, study them, come to understand why they look the way they do. Figure out their stories. This will improve your bonsai game far more than collecting something.

Where are you flying in from? Air travel with even a small collected tree is going to be a pain in the ass.


The largest known Jeffrey pine in Yosemite is just off Tioga Pass road. The park is also home to some amazing sugar pines. Their cones are a must have for any collection.

Flying from San Diego, so I don’t mind the transit aspect. I see what you’re saying though, greatly appreciate the advice!

 

[Bryanteoa]

Be sure to take lots of photos of amazing trees while you’re there, especially the strange features and damage some display. Think about them, study them, come to understand why they look the way they do. Figure out their stories. This will improve your bonsai game far more than collecting something.

Where are you flying in from? Air travel with even a small collected tree is going to be a pain in the ass.


The largest known Jeffrey pine in Yosemite is just off Tioga Pass road. The park is also home to some amazing sugar pines. Their cones are a must have for any collection.

Flying from San Diego, so I don’t mind the transit aspect. I see what you’re saying though, greatly appreciate the advics in

There are many threads on this subject so dig a little deeper into the site. Bottom line, you have to make sure you understand the checkerboard of public land space in California, and the overlapping jurisdictions. National Parks, National Wilderness, and State Parks are strictly "no touch". National Forest is where you will have the best luck, but different forests have different rangers and different rules. Many will grant collection permits for specific species, a limited number, and no-commercial use. Think about what you are looking for, do the research to make sure you know where the species is located, and then call the affiliated ranger station. Don't just show up with a shovel thinking you will just look around and dig up whatever looks best.

FWIW, more than 50% of California is public land, so it is a LOT of area - somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 million acres.

There are many threads on this subject so dig a little deeper into the site. Bottom line, you have to make sure you understand the checkerboard of public land space in California, and the overlapping jurisdictions. National Parks, National Wilderness, and State Parks are strictly "no touch". National Forest is where you will have the best luck, but different forests have different rangers and different rules. Many will grant collection permits for specific species, a limited number, and no-commercial use. Think about what you are looking for, do the research to make sure you know where the species is located, and then call the affiliated ranger station. Don't just show up with a shovel thinking you will just look around and dig up whatever looks best.

FWIW, more than 50% of California is public land, so it is a LOT of area - somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 million acres.

Will definitely dig deeper, thank you for your advice!

California is definitely has a learning curve lol

 

[Cruiser]

Flying from San Diego, so I don’t mind the transit aspect. I see what you’re saying though, greatly appreciate the advice!

Oh that’s an easy flight.
I was just in San Diego over Christmas gawking at the Torrey Pines.

Will it be your first time visiting Yosemite?

 

[BrianBay9]

Let me know when you'll be in Fresno. If I'm in town I'll arrange a back-of-the-house tour for the Clark bonsai collection.