The U.S. Forest Service is once again limiting huckleberry harvests in the Pacific Northwest.
The Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington announced April 21 that it would not issue commercial huckleberry harvests for 2026, following up on its decision last year to limit the take of huckleberries from national forest land.
“Our responsibility is to steward huckleberry habitat in a way that honors treaty-reserved rights and trust responsibility, protects cultural resources, and ensures these plants remain abundant for generations,” Forest Supervisor Johanna Kovarik said in a news release. “We heard clearly from tribal governments, forest users and local communities about the impacts of commercial harvest, and we are committed to a path forward that prioritizes ecological health and cultural respect.”
Forest officials made the decision after a public comment period earlier this year that included an online public questionnaire, a community roundtable, conversations with industry leaders, and government-to-government consultations with tribal nations. The Yakama Nation, Tulalip Tribes, and the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians each formally requested permanent cessation of commercial huckleberry harvest, the U.S. Forest Service said.
It’s part of a multi-year effort to evaluate long-term management options in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest as huckleberry stands experience continued decline due to conifer encroachment, fire suppression, drought and invasive species, forest officials said.
The ban only applies to commercial permits. Free personal-use permits will still be issued, allowing people to pick up to one gallon of berries per day and up to three gallons per year.
