Citing sustainability concerns, regulation enforcement challenges and escalating conflicts among harvesters, the U.S. Forest Service staff at the Gifford Pinchot National Forest will not issue commercial huckleberry harvesting permits for the 2025 season.
Private use gathering and harvesting will still be allowed under existing Forest Service guidelines.
This decision was made following increased pressure from regional tribal nations, county officials and local forest users concerned about declining huckleberry availability, according to a Forest Service news release.
"Huckleberries are a vital cultural and ecological resource, and we must ensure their sustainability for generations to come,” Johanna Kovarik, forest supervisor for Gifford Pinchot National Forest, said in the release. "Safety of all forest users is paramount. This change allows us to work more closely with tribal governments, and local stakeholders and law enforcement to improve management while reducing conflicts."
The Forest Service hopes that by not offering commercial huckleberry harvesting in Gifford Pinchot this year, its staff can focus on enhancing resource conservation efforts, improving harvesting enforcement strategies and collaborating with tribal and local partners on long-term management solutions.
Originally put in place in the 1990s, the commercial huckleberry program has seen annual harvests ranging between 50,000 to 70,000 gallons of berries, supporting local businesses.
However, invasive plant species impacts, habitat loss, drought concerns and challenges in enforcing program regulations have forced the Forest Service to re-examine its commercial huckleberry guidelines.
The Forest Service will expand partnerships with tribal nations, local law enforcement and local stakeholders in order to assess conditions this year without a commercial harvest and strengthen sustainability and restoration for future huckleberry harvests, according to the release.
“A final decision on commercial huckleberry harvesting beyond 2025 will be informed by
ongoing assessments, tribal consultations and stakeholder engagement,” the release added.
For more information on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, visit the Forest Service’s website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/giffordpinchot.
