Stems
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Harvesting Plant Stems
Stems, the main trunks or stalks of a plant or shrub, have many purposes from floral decorations to furniture. Stems were used by Native American tribes for centuries for tools, clothing, and shelter. The most commonly harvested stems on the Mt. Hood National Forest today are alder sticks.
Special Forest Product |
Fee |
Minimum Quantity |
Remarks |
Stems |
$0.11 per stem |
181 stems |
Not to exceed 2 inches in diameter. No length restriction. |
Sustainable Harvesting Guidelines for Special Forest Products
- During collection, you're expected to exercise reasonable care in protecting resources from damage.
- Know your species. Do not eat or collect wild plants or mushrooms unless you are certain of the species.
- Know what species are at risk in your area. Never collect threatened, endangered, or sensitive plants or fungi.
- Be opportunistic and harvest from areas that are also disturbed by logging or development.
- Harvest only what you need or can reasonably use.
- Try not to disturb or compact soils.
- Leave the area as you found it. Fill in any holes and step lightly.
- Revisit and monitor the effects of your harvest in an area. Become a steward of that place. Study the plants and how they respond.
- Do not break bushes or trees that will be left. Do not strip the leaves of berry bushes.
- Spread the impacts of your harvest out and leave some behind for wildlife.
- Do not drive off roads, create ruts, or leave trash behind.
Additional Resources