Special Forest Products

What are Special Forest Products?

Special Forest Products (SFP) is a term used to describe some of the vegetative material found on public lands that can be harvested for recreation, personal use, or as a source of income. They include grasses, seeds, roots, bark, berries, mosses, greenery (fern fronds, salal, huckleberry, etc.), edible mushrooms, tree seedlings, transplants, poles, posts, and firewood. Trees or logs that contain sawtimber are not considered SFP.

Why have a Special Forest Products Program?

The Special Forest Products (SFP) provides the public with the opportunity to harvest SFP for recreation, personal use, or as a source of income. It also establishes policy and direction for these resources, enabling the BLM to more effectively manage and regulate the harvest of SFP, thus protecting the resources and reducing possible environmental impacts.

Are there any restrictions for harvesting Special Forest Products on Salem District lands?

Yes, certain areas and/or individual species within the Salem District are restricted . Table 1 lists some of the general areas and/or species or groups which contain SFP restrictions. Each Salem District Field Office has prepared a document pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, which contains more specific information on the various restrictions placed on the harvest of SFP in their area.

Table 1: General Areas and/or Species or Group on the Salem District Where Restrictions on the Harvest of SFP Occur