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Page 1: Mushroom Picking

RECREATION OPPORTUNITY GUIDEOlympic National Foresthttp:/www.fs.fed.us/r6/olympic Recommended Season

SPRING SUMMER FALL WINTER

Mushroom Picking

GENERAL INFORMATION: Mushrooms arethe reproductive structures or “fruit” of certainfungi. Unlike green plants, fungi cannot usesunlight to make food, but the web-like rootstructures called mycelium decompose organicmatter, which the organism utilizes for food.

Mushrooms and truffles are important wildlifefood. They are consumed by deer, elk, bear,small mammals, and mollusks. Some rodentsrely on mushrooms for over 90% of their foodsupply and are, in turn, primary prey for largerspecies such as the northern spotted owl.Preserving the diversity of fungal species inforest ecosystems is essential to the well being ofour National Forests.

HARVEST TECHNIQUE: For the bestpossible recovery of mushroom sites year afteryear, proper harvesting techniques are necessaryand required for both personal and commercialgathering. Mushroom stems are to be cut at orabove ground level keeping the growing site asundisturbed as possible. Use of tools other thana knife or scissors is prohibited. Equip yourselfproperly before going to the field.

EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST: Prepare for asafe and efficient trip by carrying the following:

1. Extra food, water and clothing2. Compass and map of the area3. Whistle4. Mushroom field guide5. Small knife for harvesting and trimming6. Bucket to carry mushrooms7. Waxed paper or waxed bags (not plastic)

for separating and protecting themushrooms

USE CAUTION: Know the mushroom beforeyou pick it. There are many poisonousmushrooms, but there also are many edible,delicious, and easily identified species. Useguidebooks and pamphlets for identification.

PERSONAL USE: No permit is required forincidental gathering of mushrooms for personaluse. For a single species, the daily limit forpersonal use is one (1) gallon or, when it’s alarge-sized mushroom, one mushroom,whichever is greater. For multiple species, thedaily limit is three (3) species, one (1) galloneach. See State Law for transport/harvest limitper vehicle. Harvested chanterelle mushroomsmust have a cap diameter of one inch or greater.This policy allows for the incidental removal ofmushrooms by those intending to simply gatherenough for a meal.

COMMERCIAL USE PERMITS: ACommercial Use Permit is required for anyindividual intending to sell the mushrooms, orharvesting more than the daily three (3) gallonmultiple species limit. Permits are available atF.S. field offices and the cost is based on thelength of time permit is valid. 14 Day Permit costs $50.00 30 Day Permit costs $80.00 Calendar Year Permits costs $120.00

Conditions of the Commercial Use Permit,including areas available for mushroomgathering, will be authorized at the F.S. fieldoffice where the permit is issued.

REGULATIONS – WA STATE LAW (RCW 76.48.060):A specialized Forest Products Permitmust be obtained to harvest and/or transportmore than three (5) gallons of a single species ofwild edible mushrooms. For more information onthe state law, go to the following site: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/

The Specialized Forest Products HarvestingPermit is provided, free of charge, with theCommercial Use Permit. Contact the nearestF.S. field office for Commercial Use Permits andother information.

1/2006

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