As the only organization working and dedicated to Pando’s study and care, we field numerous media requests every month. Here are some general guidelines to help you plan your story and coordinate your efforts.
Please consult the following resources before contacting us with general questions.
Natural History | World’s Largest Tree FAQ | How Pando Works FAQ | Science Communication Center | Monitoring Data Store
Getting in Touch and Working Together
1. To reduce spam, all queries must go through our Contact Us Page
2. Friends of Pando does not take part in “email” style interviews. We can do video, in-person or, audio interviews.
3. Friends of Pando prefers working with media professionals operating with established editorial teams. Freelancers are welcome, but we cannot help you “sell” your story.
4. Friends of Pando prefers working with media professionals with a demonstrated track record of rich storytelling.
5. Friends of Pando typically takes 3-5 days to respond to an initial media query
6. For in-field engagements, Friends of Pando only works between late-June to mid-September.
7. On-site film and TV crews must also notify and get permission from our partners, Fishlake National Forest. You will be asked to file a media request. Please contact Fishlake National Forest for details.
8. From begin to end, expect about 3 weeks to plan and coordinate a non-breaking story about Pando.
Organizing a site visit
1. In-person visits with staff and crew require prior discussion and approval from us and Fishlake National Forest
2. In-person site visits with our staff are only available between June 30th and September 22 each year.
A/V Production Planning Notes
1. Pando lives at 9,000 feet. Summer doesn’t begin until around July each year. Plan accordingly.
2. Pando does not have a regularly marked trail; most of the tree has none. Plan accordingly.
3. The Pando Tree spreads 0.67 miles by 0.45 miles across a tumultuous lava field. Plan to move slow and uphill, a lot.
4. Pando lives in a busy recreation area. The best times to create Audio/Video is Monday through Thursday, 10-3pm, and 7-9pm.
5. Pando lives on the edge of a steep Basin which forms a natural amphitheater. The Lower Pando amphitheater amplifies the sound of cars passing over cattle guards. You will not get good audio below the road.
6. Pando lives at high elevation, inclemate and dangerous weather can quickly develop with little warning. Friends of Pando do not work in the tree during thunderstorms or monsoon events as winds make working in the Pando Tree treacherous.
7. Monsoon season starts in late June and runs until early August. Expect rain nearly every afternoon during that time.
8. There are no local forecast for Pando. The nearest forecast are for places 2,000-4,000 feet below Pando, and over 30 minutes away by car. If you see signs of a storm, halt work.
9. If a site visit is approved, we strongly suggest you reserve at least one full working day to scout locations, get around in the tree, and provide your team some padding should the weather turn on you.
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