!! Important Notice for 2026 Post & Beam Material!!

Some of the post and beam material on the ground over the Summer has been affected by ‘Long Horned Borers' -- which live under the bark.

Learn more about 'Long Horned Borers' here

Long Horned Borers

While this wood is still usable for many purposes, we want to make sure our community understands how best to utilize it safely.

Please do not use this 2026 Post and Beam material for load-bearing infrastructure such as home construction or heavy structural projects.

If you are interested in Post & Beam Material please email or call us for inquiry:

email:woodforlifealcc@gmail.com

phone: (928) 488-2637

The Post & Beam can still be used for simple structures:

• Wood Sheds or shade houses

• Garden or landscaping use

• Livestock Corrals, ETC.

We value transparency and want to ensure everyone receiving materials is aware of their best and safest use. Thank you for helping us make the most of the resources available while keeping our communities safe.

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 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 inform us of your post material specifications and schedule a day and time for pickup.

Inquiry Process

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 Insights

Once your details are shared and processed, we will follow up with you via email or phone call 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. You will need to bring your own support and loading crew to load post and beam. 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.