Welcome to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. As a special forest product
harvester here are some key points to remember on your next visit.
Knowing the types of permits offered and most importantly what they allow you to do;
where you can and cannot collect special forest products;
understanding sustainable harvesting procedures, which means ensuring forest products continue to grow.
The importance of being prepared for weather and adverse road conditions
and the rules and guidelines on the National Forest that need to be followed.
Things that will ensure that the special forest products program in the Gifford
Pinchot National Forest will continue.
In the National Forest a permit is required to remove all types of special
forest products for commercial use the general types of special forest product
permits in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest include:
Free use. These permits are free of charge
and good for collection of a limited quantity of
special forest products for a short period of time.
Examples of products that can be collected with free use permits are mushrooms and huckleberries.
Charge use: which means the permits are sold to individuals
who then can sell the products to others or use them for their
own personal use. To get a special forest product permit you will need to go to a
Forest Service office or vendors such as a local store with your valid state or
federal identification. If you have any questions ask the forest service
representative issuing the permit. Anyone involved in harvest or transport of a
forest product needs a permit. An exception to this is incidental use like
collecting berries for your breakfast while you're camping in the National
Forest. In order to be in compliance with your special forest product permit you
need to understand and follow all conditions specified on your permit.
These conditions can include number of days the permit is valid, the amount of
product you can harvest,
specific areas that are open or closed to harvest, and special conditions specific
to the individual forest products species you're harvesting.
What does it mean to responsibly harvest special forest products? Simply put it
means any person collecting on public land is expected to exercise reasonable
care and protecting resources from damage. Some things you can do include
harvest only what you need personally or what your permit allows, don't disturb or
compact soils where you are working, leave the area as you found it,
please do not break the stems of bushes or trees that will be left behind, and
don't strip the leaves of berry bushes. spread the impacts of your harvest out
and leave some behind for wildlife, do not drive off roads create ruts or leave
trash behind, and remember if you bring it in pack it out! Much of the 1.3
million acre Gifford Pinchot National Forest is available for special forest
products harvest.
However as a permit holder you need to be aware of areas that are off-limits
for harvesting. Some examples of areas that are
off-limits include wilderness areas,
the national volcanic monument, Wind River experimental forest, and any signed
areas that designate no picking or harvesting- such as the area reserved for
tribal harvest. In order to be sure where you can harvest use maps, obey signs,
and ask Forest Service employees if you have any questions.
For anyone who visits the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
there are rules you need to follow while you're there.
These include a 14-day camping limit in one area, the removal of your trash,
proper disposal of human waste, and following fire prevention guidelines for
campfires and smoking. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest has a brochure
about dispersed camping that outlines these requirements.
Whether you're hiking, driving, or camping in the forest
you should be prepared for changes in weather and road conditions.
Rain, snow, and freezing temperatures are possible year-round in the Gifford Pinchot
National Forest. Having the appropriate rain gear and warm clothes along with
adequate food and water adds to your personal safety. In the forest,
you may be asked to present your special forest product permit,
so have available for inspection.
Remember: you are responsible for following the requirements of the permit
and all other applicable laws and regulations. Violations of the terms of
the permit or illegal collection of products may result in the forfeiture of
all collected products; termination of the permit; and the possibility of
criminal prosecution or fine. With these key points and your cooperation
we hope that you will have a safe and rewarding visit to your national forest.
All of us are responsible for maintaining a sustainable harvest so
that the bounty of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest will be there for future
generations to enjoy.