Gifford Pinchot National Forest Announces No Commercial Huckleberry Harvest in 2026

Vancouver, Wash., (April 21, 2026) — The U.S. Forest Service’s Gifford Pinchot National Forest announced today that commercial huckleberry permits will not be issued in 2026. The decision reflects the Forest’s commitment to tribal treaty rights and trust responsibility, ecological recovery, and a long-term management approach built on genuine collaboration and long-term sustainability.

The decision follows months of engagement that included an online public questionnaire, a community roundtable in February 2026, conversations with industry, and government-to-government consultations with tribal nations. The Yakama Nation, Tulalip Tribes, and the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) each formally requested permanent cessation of commercial huckleberry harvest on the Forest. ATNI’s resolution documents the cultural, ceremonial, and subsistence importance of huckleberries and notes that during 2025 without commercial harvest, tribal gatherers observed improved berry abundance, reduced harassment, and safer gathering conditions.

“Our responsibility is to steward huckleberry habitat in a way that honors treaty-reserved rights and trust responsibility, protects cultural resources, and ensures these plants remain abundant for generations,” said Forest Supervisor Johanna Kovarik. “We heard clearly from tribal governments, forest users and local communities about the impacts of commercial harvest, and we are committed to a path forward that prioritizes ecological health and cultural respect.”

The Forest is initiating a multi-year planning effort to evaluate long-term management options. This process will include government-to-government consultation with affected tribes, targeted and public engagement, continued huckleberry field restoration, and formal consideration of tribal requests for permanent closure. The goal is a durable, transparent, and culturally respectful management framework that supports both ecological and community needs.

Huckleberry fields across the Forest are experiencing long-term decline from conifer encroachment, fire suppression, drought, and invasive species. The Forest has a long history of huckleberry restoration through timber harvest, prescribed fire, and vegetation treatments. Active restoration projects with huckleberry components include the Yellowjacket Project on the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, precommercial thinning on the Mt. Adams Ranger District, and the Forest-wide Plantation Thin Environmental Assessment.

Personal-use huckleberry picking remains open under existing Forest regulations. Free permits are available at https://gp.fs2c.usda.gov/gp/. 

All visitors are encouraged to harvest responsibly and respect tribal treaty rights and trust responsibility and traditional gathering areas. Additional information is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/giffordpinchot.