OREGON – The 2014 harvest season for Matsutake mushrooms will open in four national forests following Labor Day Weekend.
Matsutake mushroom season opens on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 on the Deschutes, Fremont-Winema, Umpqua, and Willamette National Forests through November 2.
Anyone who intends to pick Matsutake mushrooms on National Forest land is required to buy a harvest permit. Permits are $200 for the full 62-day season, $100 for a half season permit (valid for 31 consecutive days) or $8 per day with a three-day minimum purchase.
Each purchase of a permit will include an informational synopsis and map showing open harvest areas.
Commercial harvesters must have written permission from the Forest Service to camp anywhere besides in designated camping areas. A campground for harvesters has been established at Little Odell Mushroom Camp near Crescent Lake.
Mushroom harvesters are reminded that due to extreme fire danger, Public Use Restrictions are in effect and must be followed.
For information on these restrictions, harvesters can call 541-947-6249 (Fremont-Winema NF) or 541- 433-3200 (Deschutes NF). Currently the Umpqua NF and Willamette NF have no Public Use Restrictions.
For more information about the Matsutake mushroom program contact the following participating Forest Service offices:
Chemult Ranger District at 541-365-7001, Crescent Ranger District at 541-433-3200, Umpqua National Forest at 541-957-3255, Willamette National Forest at 541-225-6300.
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