Emily Johnson
Mushroom foraging is a popular activity in the United States, with many places allowing it. However, the laws and regulations surrounding mushroom foraging vary depending on the location and purpose of the forage. While some areas may require a permit for any amount of mushroom foraging, others may allow a certain amount to be foraged without a permit. For example, some state parks in Oregon allow up to one gallon of mushrooms to be foraged per person per day without a permit, while national forests may require a personal-use permit to be obtained in advance. Commercial mushroom foraging almost always requires a permit, and the laws differ depending on the state and type of land. It is important to research the specific regulations of the area you plan to forage in, as some places may completely prohibit foraging activities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Private lands | Requires permission from landowners |
| State parks | No permit required for 1-2 gallons of mushrooms per person per day |
| National forests | May require a personal-use permit |
| Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands | No permit required for 1 gallon of mushrooms per person per day |
| Commercial picking | Requires a permit |
| National Wildlife Refuges | No permit required for noncommercial gathering of mushrooms by local rural residents |
| Provincial Forest Lands | No permit required for commercial and personal use harvesting of mushrooms |
| Oregon State Forest Lands | No permit required for personal use |
| Oregon State Parks and Recreation Areas | No permit required for up to five gallons per person per day |
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What You'll Learn
National parks and forests
National parks tend to have stricter rules, with the National Parks System (NPS) generally prohibiting most foraging activities. However, some national parks do allow personal-use foraging, including Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Mount Rainier. Additionally, national parks in Alaska typically permit foraging and collecting up to two five-gallon buckets of mushrooms per day for personal consumption due to the low visitor numbers and the rights of Alaskan native peoples to hunt and forage on their traditional lands.
It is important to note that regulations can vary significantly between different national parks and forests, and it is always best to check with the specific park or forest before engaging in any foraging activities. Additionally, picking mushrooms for commercial purposes typically requires a permit and is subject to more restrictive limits.
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State parks
The requirements for foraging mushrooms in state parks vary across the United States. While some states generally prohibit mushroom foraging in state parks, others allow it without a permit within specific quantity limits. Still, others may require a permit for foraging specific types of mushrooms.
States with More Lenient Mushroom Foraging Laws in State Parks
In Minnesota, for example, state parks allow the foraging of mushrooms and berries but prohibit the collection of flowers or any greens. Similarly, Oregon state law permits individuals to gather mushrooms, berries, fruits, and similar edibles in quantities not exceeding five gallons per person per day from state parks and recreation areas. In Wisconsin, Ohio, South Carolina, and Illinois, state park systems also tend to be more mushroom-foraging friendly, typically allowing 1-2 gallons of mushrooms per person per day without a permit.
States with More Restrictive Mushroom Foraging Laws in State Parks
In contrast, California State Parks have some of the least mushroom-foraging-friendly laws, largely prohibiting the activity. Additionally, some states, like Oregon, have stringent enforcement measures in place, even conducting sting operations to bust individuals illegally harvesting mushrooms in state parks.
National Parks and Other Public Lands
While the focus is primarily on state parks, it is worth noting that mushroom foraging laws also vary for other types of public lands, including national parks and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Generally, national parks tend to prohibit mushroom foraging, but some, like Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Mount Rainier, allow limited personal-use foraging. As for BLM lands, mushroom foraging is typically permitted without a permit, but the limit is one gallon of mushrooms per person per day, and commercial picking is prohibited.
Private Lands
When it comes to private lands, mushroom foraging is generally allowed with permission from the landowner. Some private parks or state-owned lands that are not preserved as public parks, such as woods flanking highways, may also permit mushroom foraging.
To ensure compliance with local regulations, it is essential to research the specific laws and requirements for the state and type of land where you plan to forage mushrooms.
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Private land
In the United States, mushroom picking is only allowed on private lands with permission from the landowners. If you don't know any landowners, your local logging company may be able to help. They may offer permits or simply give you permission. If you see mushrooms growing on someone's private property, you could also try asking the landowner for permission to forage there.
In Europe, people often have an explicit right to pick mushrooms and forage even on private land, as long as it's non-destructive.
In Alaska, harvesting a small number of wild mushrooms for personal, non-commercial use is allowed on all State Lands. Commercial harvesting is permitted with a license.
In Oregon, state law allows people to gather mushrooms for personal consumption in quantities not exceeding five gallons per person per day. No permit is required for collecting from state forestland in the Astoria, Tillamook, Forest Grove, North Cascade, or West Oregon Districts. The limit for personal use is one gallon per vehicle at any one time.
In the Pacific Northwest, the Umatilla National Forest does not require a permit for the personal use collection of mushrooms (less than a gallon in Oregon and five gallons in Washington). A permit is required for commercial use. The Willamette National Forest no longer requires a permit for collecting up to one gallon of mushrooms per day for personal use.
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Commercial vs personal use
In the United States, mushroom picking is generally allowed on private lands with permission from the landowners. However, the specific regulations regarding mushroom foraging differ based on the purpose of the activity, i.e., personal or commercial use.
Personal Use
For personal consumption, some state parks and forests allow individuals to forage for mushrooms without a permit. For example, in Oregon, state law permits individuals to gather mushrooms for personal consumption without a permit, with a limit of five gallons per person per day. Similarly, in Washington, the Umatilla National Forest allows personal mushroom collection without a permit, up to one gallon per person. Other states with mushroom-friendly state park systems include Wisconsin, South Carolina, and Illinois.
However, it's important to note that regulations can vary within a state. For instance, while Oregon generally allows mushroom foraging without a permit, specific areas like the Deschutes, Fremont-Winema, Umpqua, and Willamette forests require a personal-use mushroom permit. Additionally, some national forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands may require a permit for personal mushroom picking.
Commercial Use
On the other hand, commercial mushroom picking typically requires a permit. Commercial permits are issued separately for each state or federal forest area and often include more restrictive limits on the harvest areas. For example, the Umatilla National Forest in Oregon requires a minimum $20 permit for commercial mushroom picking. Similarly, the Bureau of Land Management in Alaska issues permits for the commercial harvest of non-timber forest products, including mushrooms.
It's important to remember that regulations can vary significantly between states and even within specific locations. Therefore, it is advisable to check the specific rules and permit requirements for the area you plan to forage in, especially if you intend to forage for commercial purposes.
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Rules and regulations
The rules and regulations for foraging mushrooms vary across different states, parks, and jurisdictions. Here are some important points to consider:
Private Lands: In the United States, mushroom picking is generally allowed on private lands with permission from the landowners. If you don't know any landowners, you can inquire with local logging companies or simply ask the residents if you can forage on their property.
National Forests: Some national forests allow foraging for personal use with a permit. You can contact the relevant office or check their websites for specific information. For example, the Umatilla National Forest does not require a permit for personal use collection of less than one gallon of mushrooms in Oregon and five gallons in Washington. In contrast, the Umpqua National Forest and Wallowa-Whitman National Forest require permits for both personal and commercial use.
State Parks: State parks tend to be more mushroom-foraging friendly, but regulations vary by state. Many parks allow 1-2 gallons of mushrooms per person per day without a permit. Mushroom-friendly state park systems include those in Ohio, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, South Carolina, and Illinois. California State Parks, on the other hand, have stricter regulations and largely prohibit mushroom foraging.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lands: BLM lands offer a significant area for mushroom harvesting. Most BLM lands limit harvesting to one gallon of mushrooms per person per day, and commercial picking is prohibited. However, laws may vary, so it's essential to contact the local BLM office for specific regulations. No permit is required for collecting mushrooms for personal use on BLM lands.
National Parks: The National Parks System (NPS) tends to prohibit most foraging activities. However, some national parks may allow foraging with restrictions or permits. For example, a National Park in California allows foraging for mushrooms for personal consumption, with the condition that they are consumed within the park.
Quantity Restrictions: Many locations have quantity restrictions for foraging mushrooms. For example, Oregon State Parks and Recreation Areas allow up to five gallons per person per day for personal consumption.
Commercial Foraging: Picking mushrooms for commercial purposes typically requires a permit and may have more restrictive limits on harvesting areas. Commercial permits are issued separately for each state or federal forest area.
It's important to note that regulations can change, so always check with the relevant government agency or landowner before foraging. Additionally, some species may have protected status, and it is your responsibility to know the rules for each location and item you intend to collect.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on where you are located and the quantity of mushrooms you want to forage. Some states and parks require a permit, while others do not. Generally, national parks have the strictest regulations.
Many state parks allow 1-2 gallons of mushrooms per person per day without a permit. Some mushroom-friendly state park systems include those of Ohio, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, South Carolina, and Illinois. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands also offer a large area for mushroom foraging without a permit, with a limit of 1 gallon of mushrooms per person per day.
Yes, you need permission from the landowner to forage mushrooms on private land.
You can obtain a personal-use mushroom permit by contacting the relevant government agency or landowner. Some national forests allow you to obtain a permit by calling ahead of time. Commercial permits are also available for those looking to sell mushrooms.
