Collecting in Michigan

[MidMichBonsai]

I have just begun exploring collecting in Michigan. I am contacting the National Forests in Michigan to discover what sort of permits are required. I'm most excited about the prospects in Hiawatha National Forest. Anyone have experience in this area that could toss me a few tips? I know this is kind of like asking a fisherman where his favorite water hole is but hey...I thought I would try. I'm specifically interested in exploring the eastern white/red cedars.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Can you collect trees in National Forests, even with a permit??

 

[Poink88]

Can you collect trees in National Forests, even with a permit??

Obviously you cannot get a permit if it is not legal (or not allowed). Right? Question is can he get a permit.

 

[BrianBay9]

Every National Forest has its own rules about collecting forest materials. Seems like those in the western states are more generous about allowing collecting, but some in the east do too. Most require permits, but some allow "personal use" collecting of plants without permit as long as you stay out of their wilderness and special areas.

You can go to their websites, look under "Passes and Permits" for forest products, and learn the basics. In most cases you need to check in with the regional office to find out where you are permitted to collect. For Hiawatha National Forest: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/hiawatha/passes-permits

Most of the rangers I've met are really helpful when you demonstrate you want to follow the rules. They can steer you toward appropriate areas for the species you're interested in.

 

[tmmason10]

Yes agreed, check with the rangers office. Even if the forest isn't listing transplanting permits in the website, it can't hurt to ask.

As for collecting in national forests, they have a whole department for forestry. If they are leasing out spots to have trees cut down they probably won't mind a few being transplanted.

 

[Gene Deci]

Strange as it may seem, forests are usually not the best place to collect. Trees growing in a forest tend to be real skinny with few branches because of the competition for light. For bonsai suitable material, look along the forest edges or in other open areas like roadways. Cedars are one of the first species to reclaim cleared wet areas in northern Michigan. If you find such an area you can have your pick from hundreds. Good luck.

 

[BrianBay9]

I agree, the edges are the best places. In the eastern states I usually work near creeks and rivers, as well as along power line cuts through the national forests.

 

[jk_lewis]

Can you collect trees in National Forests, even with a permit??

Yes, you can.

 

[ReginaldPatrick]

Strange as it may seem, forests are usually not the best place to collect. Trees growing in a forest tend to be real skinny with few branches because of the competition for led lighting. For bonsai suitable material, look along the forest edges or in other open areas like roadways. Cedars are one of the first species to reclaim cleared wet areas in northern Michigan. If you find such an area you can have your pick from hundreds. Good luck.

I do agree with your views..I mostly get bonsai on the forest edges and very rare in deep forests...

 

[MidMichBonsai]

Thanks for all of the responses. To clarify, I was looking to collect along some of the rivers within Hiawatha as my guess is the trees that have taken the most damage in that area and survived would make the best bonsai.

I have contacted the regional ranger station and am awaiting a reply. I will let everyone know what I find out!

 

[jk_lewis]

Permits for riverbank collecting may be harder to get because of the worry about bank erosion, and their worry that you will fall in, drown and your family will sue.

 

[fourteener]

I would be as vague as possible. Get the permit get the boundary and do your thing. They'll want you to gather in the middle of the forest.

 

[M. Frary]

I find a lot on PowerLine right of ways. They run straight through the woods over hills and through swamps. A lot of people use these right of ways for atv and snowmobiling. There are beat up trees everywhere. I have pemission to dig on power company land. Get a hold of your power companies.

 

[DougB]

And don't forget that old abandoned homesteads and fence rows are often great places to find great material.