2024 Post and Beam Request Form

We are currently accepting requests (link above) for Ponderosa Pine Post & Beams (“Lestavi”) for traditional and cultural building purposes. In the past, we have received requests for kiva logs, ladders, beams for traditional homes, hogans, and fencing for cornfields. We encourage applicants to provide a simple description of their project to help us determine if the requested material is available and if the request is reasonable.

Our goal is to help our communities reconnect with traditional and cultural building techniques by ensuring that these materials are readily available. In doing so, we hope to promote self- sustainable practices within our communities, especially in the face of the current heating and housing crises.

Our project site is located 15 mins outside of Flagstaff, AZ. Project Site will be the location for pick-up. Details of location will be disclosed when you are scheduled.

Disclaimer:

Please note that while we strive to support our community by providing posts & beams, we should not be considered the sole source of material for large projects.

There is currently a 20 count limit on the total number of posts requested per application.

Bulk Order Requests:

You may submit another request for an additional 20 posts/beams Once you pick up the first requested order of 20. This is to ensure there is enough material on hand for the number of requests we receive as well as ensure that large requests are picked up in a timely manner.

*Limited 3 Request Per Year for a total of 60 posts*

If your project requires a significant amount of material, we strongly encourage you to seek the necessary permits from the U.S. Forest Service or other appropriate authorities. Our program is designed to be an additional resource, offering supplementary support rather than serving as the primary provider of materials.

Coconino National Forest Resources

Supervisor's Office: Mon-Fri. 8am-4pm (928) 527-3600

Kaibab National Forest Resources

Supervisor's Office: Mon-Fri. 8am-4pm (928)635-8200 * For Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts Only*

Our crews harvest trees from a project site near Flagstaff, Arizona, and classify the material as firewood, post/beam, or mulch. All Ponderosa post and poles are inspected to ensure they are straight, consistent in diameter, and free of branches. The material is then cut to various lengths and hauled to the roadside for scheduled pick-ups.

To ensure that we meet your specific needs, we have implemented a two part process. First, you will submit a Request Form for material specifications of your project needs and in the final process you will submit a Scheduling Form for pick-up.

Request Form Insight

2024 Post and Beam Request Form

Before your pickup is scheduled, our team will connect with you to gather more details about the details and specifications of the posts and beams you require. This review will allow us to understand your project needs better, including:

• Dimensions: The length and diameter of Ponderosa Pine Post & Beams needed
• Intended Use: How the materials will be used in your project (e.g., for building a hogan, kiva, traditional home repair, etc.).
• Volume: The quantity of materials required.

This review process helps us ensure that we have the appropriate materials available and that your pickup experience is smooth and efficient.

Scheduling Form Insights

Once your Request Form is processed and the details are confirmed, we will send you a link to submit a Scheduling Form to reserve a pickup date and time.

We ask that you arrive on time so that you will have the opportunity to walk the site with our staff to select the specific posts and beams you need, we do not "pre-package" material. Our team will assist with loading your trailer by hand using Log Tongs, to ensure safe transport of the materials. You’ll then be issued a “permit” and can secure your load and leave the site.

Expect to be on site for material selection & pick-up for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Our Communications Coordinator will stay in touch to follow up on your project. Wood For Life would be delighted if you could share some photos of your traditional building projects. These updates help us celebrate your work and keep our records up to date.

Please note that all material is green and heavy with water, so you’ll need a trailer or truck that can handle the weight. It’s common for people to expect to haul 20 logs in a single trip, but realistically, you may only be able to haul 4-6 logs and may require multiple trips.

Additionally:

• Curing Time: Allow at least 3-4 years for the wood to dry and cure before use.
• Bark Stripping: Strip all bark to reduce moisture exposure and remove bugs trapped in the bark.
• Storage: Store the material on a flat, level surface off the ground with supports at the ends and middle to prevent sagging/warping during curing.
• Covering: Keep the material covered during curing to prevent rot, as Ponderosa Pine is prone to rot when exposed to moisture.
• Natural Deformation: As the wood cures, it may unravel and deform. This is natural, so consider requesting additional logs to account for any unusable material.

The Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps (ALCC) “Wood for Life” project is rooted in the belief that every part of the tree should be utilized, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. This approach not only honors the tree as a living entity but also allows us to provide materials that have historically been integral to Indigenous cultures. Expanding beyond firewood, we now offer mulch and “Post and Poles” for traditional and cultural building purposes.

Since time immemorial Indigenous communities in the Southwest used natural resources like wood, clay, brush, and stone to construct their homes and in ceremonial practices. We aim to preserve and continue these traditions by making these materials accessible.

We understand that accessing post and poles can be challenging due to forest regulations and the technical skill required to fell trees. Our program is designed to alleviate these challenges by providing these materials to local Indigenous communities at no cost, with a straightforward request process. This initiative helps us maintain and revive traditional practices.