Gifford Pinchot National Forest Announces Change to Commercial Huckleberry Harvesting in 2025

Forest to Focus on Sustainability, Conflict Reduction, and Restoration Efforts

Vancouver, Wash., (March 31, 2025)— The USDA Forest Service has announced that commercial huckleberry harvesting permits will not be issued by the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in 2025, citing sustainability concerns, enforcement challenges, and escalating conflicts among harvesters. Personal use gathering will continue under existing guidelines.

The decision comes amid increasing pressure from tribal nations, county officials, and local forest users to address declining huckleberry availability, enforcement limitations, and disputes over harvesting rights. By not offering commercial harvesting in 2025, the Forest Service aims to enhance resource conservation efforts, improve enforcement strategies, and collaborate with tribal and local partners to develop long-term management solutions.

"Huckleberries are a vital cultural and ecological resource, and we must ensure their sustainability for generations to come," said Johanna Kovarik, Forest Supervisor. "Safety of all forest users is paramount. This change allows us to work more closely with tribal governments, and local stakeholders and law enforcement to improve management while reducing conflicts."

The commercial huckleberry program has been in place since the 1990s, with annual harvests ranging between 50,000 to 70,000 gallons, supporting local businesses. However, concerns over drought and invasive species impacts, habitat loss, and enforcement challenges have necessitated a reevaluation of commercial harvesting practices.

Throughout 2025, the Forest Service will expand partnerships with tribal nations, law enforcement, and stakeholders to assess conditions without commercial harvest and enhance restoration efforts to improve huckleberry sustainability.
A final decision on commercial huckleberry harvesting beyond 2025 will be informed by ongoing assessments, tribal consultations, and stakeholder engagement.

For more information, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/giffordpinchot.

About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

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