News Release
2008 Morel Mushroom Harvest
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USDA Forest Service
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February 8, 2008
The 2006 Tripod fire burned 175,000 acres (274 square miles). Due to the fire, the Methow Valley and Tonasket Ranger Districts may again experience an influx of commercial morel mushroom pickers and buyers. However, based upon previous experiences on the Districts and in other areas, the number of mushrooms could be dramatically reduced from the 2007 level.
It is anticipated that this spring could bring perhaps a few people to Okanogan County for another mushroom harvest. The Districts plan to implement the same requirements as in 2007.
The Forest Service will use the same designated camps as last year, South Summit Sno-park located near the Loup Loup summit and upper Salmon Meadows northwest of Conconully. These designated camp sites will be for commercial pickers and if needed the districts will provide garbage dumpsters and portable toilets.
Commercial permits will be sold at Methow Valley Ranger District, Tonasket Ranger District and Okanogan Valley offices. Mushroom pickers will be required to purchase a permit for commercial picking. Free use mushroom harvesting for personal use will still be available. No permit is required for free use mushroom harvesting; people may harvest, possess and transport amounts less than three gallons per day. Forest Law Enforcement will monitor compliance through the harvesting season.
“Among other concerns, garbage, campfires and sanitation will need to be managed at the designated camps”, said Michael Alvarado, Customer Service Staff Officer for the Tonasket Ranger District. “We will develop strategies to monitor heavily used areas and coordinate with other agencies as well.”
If you are interested or concerned about potential impacts from mushroom harvesting for the public or Forest natural resources, please contact Michael Alvarado at the Tonasket Ranger District or at (509) 486-5111.
