Umpqua National Forest

Special Forest Products

Cones

Conifer cones are collected for several purposes.  In the late summer and fall, they can be collected commercially to provide seed for tree planting.  Ripening begins in the southern part of the state at lower elevations and extends northward into higher elevations as the season progresses.  After cones disperse their seeds naturally, they can be collected either by individuals or commercial pickers in bulk for decorative uses such as wreaths, potpourris, and other novelties.

On the Umpqua National Forest, no permits are required for those who wish to harvest seed cones or dry cones for their own personal use.  Maximum quantity is one bushel.  Cones harvested for personal use can NOT be sold. 

Permits will be sold to individuals who wish to harvest and resell seed cones or dry cones commercially or who wish to collect over one bushel for personal use.  The minimum purchase price of a permit is $20.00.

Commercial use and personal use quantities for seed cones and dry cones will be limited by the following:

Dry cones are cones in which the seed has already disseminated from the one.  Dry cones may only be gathered from the ground.  No climbing of trees is permitted.

Seed cones may or may not be available.  All sales will be coordinated with the District Silviculturist.  Availability will depend on the time of year, species, desired, and areas desired for collection.