The Bitterroot National Forest is proposing a personal use and commercial mushroom harvest program following the wildfires of 2009, which burned approximately 9,200 acres on the Bitterroot National Forest. The Bitterroot National Forest requires a permit to harvest morel mushrooms. Personal use harvesting will require a permit, but there will be no permit fee. Personal use permits will be available at the Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor’s Office, and the Stevensville and Darby Ranger Districts. Morel mushrooms collected under personal use permits must be cut in half lengthwise at the time of harvesting. Personal use harvesters have a 5 gallon per day and 20 gallon per season limit. It is proposed that 6,700 acres of the Kootenai Creek Fire will be designated as a personal use only harvest area.
Commercial Morel Mushroom Harvest
The proposal would include approximately 2,500 acres of the Gird End Fire designated as a commercial and personal use harvest area. Commercial harvesting permits for the Gird End Fire area will be sold only at the Supervisor’s Office and the Darby Ranger District. All commercial harvesters 12 years of age and older will be required to purchase a Commercial Mushroom permit. The following fees will be charged, depending on the length of stay: 7-day permit= $20, 14-day permit=$40, 21-day permit=$60, 30-day permit=$75 and season permit= $100.
Morel Mushroom Growing Season
Morel mushrooms grow between April and July. Seasons vary depending on weather conditions and elevation. Burned wildfire areas from the previous summer provide the best picking. If you have never picked morel mushrooms or have not had the opportunity to experience their delightful, earthy flavor, I suggest you get out enjoy the forest and fill a bucket or two.
Picking Maps for the Gird End and Kootenai Creek Fires
Gird End Fire Map
Kootenai Creek Fire Map
Your comments on this proposal are invited. Call the Darby Ranger District at 406-821-3913. Comments will be accepted through March 5, 2010.
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