Yamadori Collecting
For the National Forest system, you’re looking to get a “Special Forest Products” permit that covers “transplants.” Collection of “transplants” in California’s National Forest varies wildly by ranger district. Some will fully prohibit it, others will allow it for certain species in certain areas under a certain height. You have to ask by individual ranger districts. The terminology is very precise — only the Special Forest Products permit covers this use and it’s the same permit class that is used for mushrooms, berries, poles, boughs, and burls. What each ranger district allows to be collected and the times of the year when collection is allowed are also variables. (Some of these districts’ restrictions are to safeguard treaty rights for Native Americans.) (2021)
The Tahoe National Forest website, for example, includes “Transplants” when discussing the “Special Forest Products” permits but the Sierra National Forest website seems to not have consideration for “Transplants” under that permit type.
Make some phone calls. Don’t bother trying to explain bonsai. Just explain you’re an avid outdoors person who is hoping to do some native landscaping on the cheap for your own yard (noncommercial purposes!). Be clear that you’re looking to comply with the guidelines and rules. (2021)Scientific Collecting: Fish and Game Code (FGC) sections 1002, 1002.5 and 1003 authorize the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) to issue permits for the take or possession of wildlife, including mammals, birds and the nests and eggs thereof, reptiles, amphibians, fish, certain plants and invertebrates for scientific, educational, and propagation purposes. The Department currently implements this authority through Section 650, Title 14, California Code of Regulations (CCR), by issuing Scientific Collecting Permits (SCP) to take or possess wildlife for such purposes. (2018)
Try an actual USFS site. They'll even sell you maps to show you exactly where you can go. What you get is called a transplant permit. Has to be under 4 feet and tagged after you collect it. (2012)
National Forests (and there are a bunch in CA) are run independently and each has its own policy regarding forest products sales, primarily timber sales. There is usually one person at the main office for each National Forest who makes permitting decisions. Once you find out who that person is its an easy yes or no answer. BLM (Bureau of Land Management) works pretty much the same way. Each district has a person who calls the shots. One collector reported having gotten permits from the National Forest Pay in advance for the trees that you plan to collect ($7/tree in 2012).
You can get a permit from the Tahoe National Forest from the office in Nevada City but you have to go in person to get it and you will be confined to within 100 feet of a particular forest service road as that is the only area where the ranger has "studied the impact." (2012)