Mark Twain National Forest

Gathering

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Gathering of forest resources was once a way of life for many of our forefathers. The previous generations remember gathering as a necessity rather than for recreational purposes. Today, however, it is enjoyed by most as a recreational forest activity often shared with such adventures as hiking and backpacking.

Gathering enables a person to acquire a closer relationship with the delicate balance of the forest ecosystem as well as a recapitulation with his pioneer heritage.

Visitors should be aware that gathering wildflowers and shrubs in picnic areas, campgrounds, and developed recreation sites is prohibited. Since rapid recovery is limited, one should consider leaving the shrubs and wildflowers undisturbed so that visitors to the National Forest lands can appreciate them in their natural state.

NUTS, BERRIES, AND MUSHROOMS
One can have a good time and get a good feeling from berry or mushroom picking, or gathering nuts or other native foods. It is inexpensive; it can be a family activity that becomes a yearly tradition; and later, after enjoying a sunny afternoon in the woods, you get to literally "enjoy the fruits of your labors." No permit is needed to pick berries or mushrooms or to gather nuts on the Mark Twain National Forest, but these must be gathered for personal use only, not marketed commercially.

FIREWOOD
A permit is required to gather firewood.

PLANTS
Digging roots or removal of plants is not allowed, see Root Digging and Plant Collecting

ROCKS AND MINERALS
Collection of reasonable amounts of rocks, minerals or common invertebrate fossils is allowed for personal use only and is not to be sold or bartered for commercial purposes. A permit is required for collection of larger amounts. Collecting from wilderness areas, caves and historical or archeological areas is not allowed.

Collection must be made from the surface only. No undue or unnecessary degradation of the land is allowed during the removal of rocks, minerals or fossils. Do not excavate, remove, disturb or deface historical or archeological resources.

Goldpanning is limited to the use of gold pans and restricted to active stream beds and unvegetated gravel bars. Collection and removal cannot be aided with motorized equipment or sluice boxes.

Click here for a printable brochure on Rockhounding.

US Forest Service - Mark Twain National Forest
Last modified: Monday, 02 June 2008
http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/marktwain