Matsutake Mushroom Season to Begin
Release Date: Aug 29, 2014
Contact(s): Punky Moore
ALTURAS, Calif., Aug. 29, 2014 – Matsutake mushroom season will begin next week within the Medicine Lake Highlands region of the Modoc National Forest. The season will open Sept. 2, 2014 and will run through Nov. 30, 2014 when all the permits will expire.
Anyone intending to pick Matsutake mushrooms for financial gain must first purchase a commercial permit ($2.50 / gallon). Permits are issued separately for each forest and to each individual picker. Several different types of permits are available for purchase for those interested in personal mushroom picking:
· Minimum four consecutive day permit for $20.00; and $5.00 each additional day (for example a six-day permit is $30.00)
· A 30 consecutive day permit is $50.00
· Full season permits are $100.00
In order to ensure the sustainability of the Matsutake mushroom harvest, each permit has additional conditions and restrictions intended to regulate harvest. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to read and understand those conditions. Forest Service law enforcement officers will be patrolling the harvest areas to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of permits. Commercial transport through, or harvesting mushrooms in Lava Beds National Monument is prohibited.
Permits can be obtained from the following Modoc National Forest offices Monday through Friday:
· Doublehead Ranger District, Tulelake, Calif. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (530) 667- 2246
· Big Valley Ranger District, Adin, Calif. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (530) 299-3215
· Supervisor’s Office, Alturas, Calif. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (530) 233-5811
Remember there are camping limits and fire restrictions in effect on the Modoc National Forest. For more information call one of the offices listed above or visit the forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/modoc