Mushroom picking season is here

POMEROY–As the snow retreats, various fungi will begin sprouting on the forest floor. Personal-use mushroom picking is free and does not require a permit or payment under the legal limits, which authorizes an individual to harvest, possess, or transport less than a gallon in Oregon and less than five gallons in Washington. These free mushrooms are only available for personal consumption and cannot be sold, bartered, or given away.

A commercial mushroom permit is required for those that intend to harvest mushrooms to sell, or individuals that plan to harvest, possess, or transport more than one gallon in Oregon or more than five gallons in Washington. Commercial mushroom picking is prohibited in Wilderness areas; but mushrooms can be harvested for free use within Wilderness areas, up to the legal daily limits identified for each state.

Commercial mushroom permits cost $2 per day, with a minimum purchase of 10 days ($20), or an annual permit (valid from May 1 – Dec. 31) for $100. An individual must be 18 years or older to purchase a commercial mushroom permit. The Forest Service requires an Industrial Camping Permit if commercial mushroom harvesters and buyers plan to camp overnight on National Forest System lands. Industrial camping permits can be obtained at the local Ranger District Office or electronically by contacting the Forest where the individual plans to harvest. Commercial mushroom harvesters and buyers are prohibited from camping in developed campgrounds.

Maps of camping areas will be provided with the permit and are also available on the Forests' websites listed below.

• Malheur National Forest

• Umatilla National Forest

• Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

Some mushroom hunters are interested in harvesting within past prescribed burn or wildfire areas. Past prescribed burn locations are identified on an interactive prescribed fire map for the Malheur, Umatilla, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests. To locate recent wildfires, please refer to the National Interagency Fire Center's interactive wildfire map. The public should be cautious when entering a recently burned area and be aware of increased hazards, particularly snags. Dead or dying trees that remain standing after a fire are unstable, especially in high winds. Temporary road and area closures may also still be in effect from wildfires where unsafe conditions, such as hazard trees, are still being mitigated.

With the continued growing interest in harvesting mushrooms from National Forests, proper identification and determination of whether a mushroom is edible or poisonous is vitally important and is the responsibility of the picker. Many forests mushroom varieties are poisonous. There are many guidebooks available to assist with identification. Some Forests offer field guides for sale. Your local library, county extension office and local Mycological Society are good sources of information. Remember: When in doubt throw it out.

Please check with the local Ranger District office for updates on road conditions and current closures. Some areas on the National Forests are also still not accessible due to mud, snow or snow drifts. In addition, traveling on thawing, saturated, and muddy roads can result in resource damage and serious safety concerns.

The Umatilla National Forest's Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) display the open and seasonally open road system on the Umatilla National Forest. MVUMs are free and can be picked up at any Umatilla National Forest office or downloaded from the Forest website. Cross-country travel is prohibited under the Umatilla National Forest's travel management plan.

Enjoy your National Forests and stay safe.