Special Forest Products Permits

Permits may be obtained for collection of special forest products such as: wildflowers, cones, poles, tree boughs, Christmas trees, nuts and berries, mushrooms, and ornamental cuttings, just to name a few. Permits may also be obtained for firewood, minerals, and timber products. For some products, personal use permits are free. For other products, or for commercial use, a fee is charged.

Chicken of the Woods Mushroom

For most products, there are regulations covering when, how, and where collection is allowed. The intent of these regulations is to ensure continued availability and sustainability of our country’s forest resources. For more information about how to get a permit, fees, product availability, or regulations covering collection, please contact the Forest Service office nearest your intended activity.

Permitting Procedure

Steps to the permitting process:

1. Call your closest District Office and find out whether the plant you want to collect is available. For some plants (for example beargrass) you will have to competitively bid for a collection permit.
2. Go to the District Office and fill out EITHER a:
• Personal Use Permit: Plants collected for your use only. Check daily limits allowed. This is free of charge; we just want to know how many people are out there!
• Commercial Use Permit: Plants collected to sell to broker. Check daily limits allowed. These cost a minimal charge.
• Mushroom Collection Permit: Permit to collect mushrooms. Personal use is free except for matsutake.
3. Receive a map of sites you MAY NOT collect in (wilderness, riparian and sensitive habitats).
4. Collect in the time allotted on the permit.
5. Display the permit in your windshield at all times.
6. Have fun!