Non-Wood Forest Products
All plants on National Forest System lands, from tiny lichens to the largest trees, belong to the American public.
Just as the Forest Service sells timber, harvesting plant materials that are of value must be purchased for a fair market value with the proceeds going to the U.S. Treasury. Permits are sometimes required to provide guidelines for appropriate collection, make collectors aware of any restrictions in collecting and to display the appropriate fee.
Huckleberry and mushroom information is below. For inquiries about collecting other non-wood forest products, contact your closest ranger district office or contact Special Forest Products coordinator Andrea Jeffries at andrea.jeffries@usda.gov
Harvesting Huckleberries
Commercial gathering of huckleberries is not permitted on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, but everyone is welcome to gather huckleberries for personal use.
Learn more about the rich history of huckleberries and best practices for sustainably harvesting.
Morel Mushrooms
Mushrooms may be harvested anywhere in your National Forest unless otherwise restricted.
The National Forest requires a free, mushroom harvesting permit in order to appropriately manage mushroom harvesting activities, monitor use, and protect resources.