Mushroom harvesting permits are now available

The Idaho Panhandle National Forests began issuing free personal use mushroom harvesting permits starting Thursday, April 7.

The personal use permit allows an individual to pick up to 20 gallons, or 50 pounds, of mushrooms per season. For individuals intending to harvest less than one gallon of mushrooms per day and no more than five gallons in a season, a permit is not required. With an abundance of morel mushrooms expected to fruit this spring, following the 2015 wildfire season, issuing mushroom harvesting permits allows the forest to manage harvesting activities, monitor use, and protect resources.

In order to provide ample opportunities for recreational pickers, commercial permits are not available. Commercial mushroom picking involves harvesting mushrooms with the intent to sell them. In order to distinguish personal or incidental use from unauthorized commercial collecting, mushrooms must be sliced in half, length-wise from stem to cap, before leaving the harvest area.

Personal use free permits will be available at any of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest’s offices except for the Coeur d’Alene Forest Nursery office. Mushrooms may be harvested anywhere in your National Forest unless otherwise restricted. It is always recommended to check with your local ranger district before you go into for the forest to check for any road or area closures. In burned areas, visitors should be aware of falling snags and stump holes.

Information: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/ipnf/home