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This information was provided by the Middle Fork Ranger District Special Forest Products Coordinator.
Some may ask what are "Special Forest Products"? These are products or natural resources that are not the traditional timber and fiber products. Examples of Special Forest Products: floral greenery, Christmas trees and boughs, mushrooms, transplants (trees, shrubs or herbaceous plants), cones, medicinal plants, cuttings, herbs, nuts, berries, decorative wood, pitch, etc..
The use of these products is not new because Native American and early settlers had relied on them for subsistence. Within the last 10 years unemployed timber workers and others have found income opportunities and developed businesses from Special Forest Products.
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Along with this expanded industry conservation must be applied to maintain the resource for a healthy ecosystem and continued demands. Product availability on the Willamette National Forest is dependent on the Forest’s Standards and Guidelines. Permits are required for all commercial harvesting. Personal use also requires a permit, however, in some cases there is no charge.
What is important for any individual interested in this industry is to have good marketing skills. Locating and arranging the harvest of products is only a small part of the task. There are products that are used locally as well as sent out of state. For example Christmas trees and boughs are sent to almost every state in the union. Also we are not isolated when it comes to world markets. Some of the Special Forest Products eventually find there way to homes in Europe and Asia.
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The more involved you are in delivering that product to those places the more lucrative it is for you. Companies or Sheds will buy the product from you here locally or within the region. However, that would cut into the potential profit you could make by handling what we call the "added value" yourself.
When looking for edible mushrooms, it is vital that you are positive about the identity. Many have been poisoned by incorrectly identifying mushrooms. Using a good identification guide helps, but be sure you know what you've got before selling or eating any mushrooms.
More Information
More Special Forest Products Photos
Special Forest Products Permits
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.
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