As wildfire, drought and disease reshape California’s forests, the practical task of gathering seeds has become a strategic priority. Many key conifer species rely on timely cone collection to produce seedlings used for post-disturbance planting. But across large parts of the state there are too few trained tree-climbers and surveyors to collect seed at scale, creating a gap between restoration goals and available nursery stock.
Why Cones Still Matter in a Modern Restoration Toolbox
Seeds harvested from local trees preserve genetic and climatic adaptations that improve the success of planted seedlings. For many restoration projects, locally sourced seed is preferred over commercially grown stock because it better matches microclimate, elevation and soil conditions. When seed collection fails or is limited, managers face trade-offs: delay planting, use seed from different seed zones, or reduce the geographic scope of restoration work.
What the Tree-Climber Job Actually Looks Like
Tree-climbers use ropes, harnesses and specialized rigging to reach cones high in the canopy. A typical collection sequence starts with scouts identifying stands with a good cone crop, followed by climbers harvesting cones selectively to avoid damaging parent trees and to reduce pathogen transfer. After collection, cones are dried, processed and tested before seeds are sent to nurseries.
Reasons for the Shortage
- Physical demands and safety: climbing tall trees in rugged terrain requires training, stamina and comfort with heights.
- Seasonality: cones are ripe only for a brief window, so crews must be available at the right moment.
- Limited training opportunities: existing programs place only a small number of new climbers into the workforce each year.
- Localized demand: seed must often be collected within specific seed zones, requiring crews to work across many scattered areas.
Quick Facts Box
Seed zones are geographic areas defined by climate and ecology. Using seeds from the same seed zone as the planting site helps ensure seedlings are adapted to local conditions. Moving seed across zones raises the risk of lower survival and poor long-term adaptation.
Species and Technical Hurdles
Different conifers present distinct collection challenges. Redwood cones are tiny and often sit on delicate outer branches; pine cones can be larger but appear at height or on steep slopes. Some species require climbing into dense, high canopies; others may be easier to harvest from ladders or pole pruners. Surveying cone abundance and timing maturation across elevations adds logistical complexity.
Efforts to Grow the Workforce
Several agencies and non-profits run short training courses—sometimes called cone camps—that teach rigging, tree biology and safe harvesting techniques. These programs aim to turn motivated recruits into competent climbers and field technicians. However, scaling training to meet projected needs will require sustained funding, more instructors, and better integration with hiring pipelines in state and federal restoration programs.
How the Shortage Affects Restoration Outcomes
A diminished seed supply can delay restoration after wildfire and pest outbreaks by months or years. Reduced seed diversity — both in terms of species and genetic variety — can weaken resilience to future stressors. In some places, managers have resorted to sourcing seed from distant zones, which increases uncertainty about long-term survival under local climate trends.
Practical Steps to Close the Gap
Addressing the shortage will take multiple actions: expand and fund training; create seasonal pay and safety standards that attract workers; coordinate cone surveys to prioritize high-value seed crops; and invest in logistical support like mobile drying and processing units. Combining these approaches can increase the quantity and quality of seed available for nurseries and replanting efforts.
When forests are burning more often and in new ways, the simple act of harvesting cones becomes a strategic component of resilience. Increasing the number of skilled hands willing and able to climb into the canopy is a practical, achievable step toward restoring damaged stands and maintaining forest genetic diversity into the future.