General Rules and 

Guidelines for 

Gathering

Special Forest 

Products

for the greatest good

United States Department of Agriculture
2

What you will need to get started

A Forest Products Fee Removal Permit (Form FS 2400-1) or a Forest 

Products Free Use Permit (Form FS 2400-8) is required for all special 

forest products leaving the forest.

To obtain a permit for harvesting special forest products, each person 

harvesting must provide the following information:

• Must be 18 years or older 

• State driver's license, government issued identifi cation card

• Full name and address

• Vehicle license number and vehicle description

• Some products require full legal description or road and milepost 

of requested harvest area

Payment: Acceptable forms of payment are cash, checks or credit card.

Table of Contents:

What you will need to get started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Important Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Free Use Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Free Use Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Products offered for a Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Commercial Mushrooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Beargrass, Stumps, Chunks, Root Wads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Stems, cutting, & Forest Greens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Firewood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11

Posts, Poles and Rails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Christmas Trees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Invasive Species Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

IFPL Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

FS 2400-8 (Free Use Permit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17

FS 2400-1 (Forest Product Removal Permit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19

Offi ce Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
3

Important Information

• Before harvesting any product obtain a permit if it is required. Use 

designated harvest locations and become familiar with any closure 

areas and ownership boundaries.

• Always carry your permit and your identifi cation while harvesting. 

If required a permit will be provided that you will place on your 

vehicle dashboard. 

• Collection of forest products is permitted only in the area(s) noted 

on the permit.

• If you have questions regarding special forest product permits, call 

the Forest Service offi ce that issued this permit or the nearest Forest 

Service offi ce.

• Know the local regulations and special concerns for the area, 

particularly regulations that limit campfi res and how close you can 

camp to streams, lakes, roads, and trails.

• Always try to camp at least 200 feet (60 meters) from lakes and 

streams (about 70 adult steps).

• Wash yourself and your dishes at least 200 feet (60 meters) away 

from streams or lakes.

• Deposit human waste in small holes dug 8 inches (20 centimeters) 

into the forest fl oor and always at least 200 feet (60 meters) away 

from water sources, camp, roads, or trails.

• Water from Range and Wildlife water systems is unsafe for drinking.

• Tell someone where you are going and pack a cell phone with a 

charged battery. 

• Pack out your garbage and anything you bring with you. Clean 

unburned trash out of your campfi re ring. LEAVE NO TRACE!
4

Free Use Special Forest Products

The Forest offers a variety of 

free use products: Mushrooms, 

Berries, Boughs, Greenery and 

Transplants. Products can be 

consumed on Forest without 

a permit. However if you 

want to remove them from the 

Forest to take home, you will 

need to get a “free use” permit 

from a local District offi ce.

 You must be 18 years of age 

and abide by all the conditions 

of the permit (FS 2400-8). 

You are allowed to have 

someone under the age of 

18 help you gather products, 

but they can’t gather for 

themselves. For example: 

you can collect one gallon of 

mushrooms per day. You can 

have someone along to help 

but can only collect one gallon 

if they do not have a permit. 

Whichever product you 

decide to pick, you must know 

where you are and not gather 

on private or restricted land 

without permission. Your 

permit is only valid in the Mt. 

Hood National Forest. 
5

Free Use Permits:

36 CFR 223.8 “Delegations of authority to approve 

free use by individuals”

Free use permits are for personal use only – products gathered from 

these permits may not be sold or exchanged for goods. Permittee must 

be 18 years of age. Free Use permits are valid from date of receipt 

through December 31st or when quantity is reached, whichever comes 

fi rst.

Transplant/Cut Greenery/Holiday Boughs- The permit will terminate 

when the maximum quantity (as shown on your permit) is reached, or 

on midnight of termination date, whichever comes fi rst. Allowable 

species for harvest within the road prism only are: vine maple, 

huckleberry, rhododendron, salal, Oregon-grape, manzanita, ferns, and 

tree seedlings less than 2 feet tall.

Mushrooms - This permit comes with a harvest limit of 1 gallon per 

day, per permit; and only one gallon in a permit holder’s possession 

while on forest land. The permit will terminate when the quantity 

limit (shown on your permit) is reached or on midnight of the 

termination date, whichever comes fi rst. You must have a valid permit 

and mushroom map with you while harvesting. There is a special 

requirement for the “Old Maid Flats” area; you must obtain a daily 

permit for this area from the Zigzag Ranger District. 

If permittee wants to gather more than 1 gallon per day they will need to 

purchase a Fee permit.

Berries –The permit will terminate when the quantity limit (shown on 

your permit) is reached, or at midnight of the termination date shown on 

the permit, whichever comes fi rst. No more than the quantity limit may 

be collected or transported per permit. 
6

Special Forest Products offered for a Fee

Greenery and Transplants

Background: Many Native Shrubs and plants are popular with both 

the fl oral Industry and the home gardener. 

Their colorful vegetation, bright fl owers 

or pleasing shapes make them ideal 

for accenting fl oral arrangements or 

transplanting to home landscape. 

Harvest Techniques: Simple pruning and 

trimming tools can be used for greenery. 

Shovels and heavy hand tools will be needed for transplants as will 

potting soil. 

Remember: Harvesting rare, sensitive, threatened or endangered plants 

is illegal.

Medicinal Plants 

Prince’s pine (Medicinal): Native 

Americans use this as a medicinal tea. 

Can also be used for cola and root beer 

fl avoring. Prince’s pine sometimes 

forms a carpet-like layer over a small 

area. 

Harvest Techniques: Snap the plant 

off with a quick twist of the wrist. 

Leave the roots intact so the plant can regenerate and be harvested 

again. 

Other medicinal plants available include yarrow, Oregon-grape root, 

and elderberry. 

 For more information on sensitive, threatened and 

endangered species please visit: 

 http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/sfpnw/issssp/
7

Mushrooms

Background: Mushrooms 

consist of two parts: the fruiting body (seen above ground) 

and a web like root structure 

called the mycelium (located 

below ground). The mycelium 

decomposes organic matter, an 

important forest process which 

the organism digest as food. 

Many mushrooms are edible, 

harmless and delicious; while 

many others are poisonous. It is critically important to know the difference. One bite of a poisonous mushroom can be fatal.

Harvest Technique: Most mushrooms should be cut off at ground 

level. Some like the matsutake are pulled or popped out of the ground. 

In addition, improper harvesting techniques such as raking can damage 

mushrooms by breaking caps, stems, and damaging the underground 

mycelia. There is little value in a damaged mushroom. Raking is prohibited. Harvest of truffl es (underground fungi) is prohibited.

Season: Springtime is best for morels and oyster mushrooms, fall is the 

time for chanterelles, king bolete, matsutake, and puffballs. 

Mushrooms are sold by the pound or season (no limit on pounds with 

season permit). You must have a valid Mushroom map and permit in 

possession while picking.

Spring Season is January 1 thru June 30th 

Fall Season is July 1 thru December 31.

Prices will vary if matsutake is included or not. Old Maid Flats on the 

Zig Zag Ranger District has special conditions you must follow. 
8

Beargrass

Background: An evergreen herb of 

the Lily family, beargrass has long, 

thin basal leaves that form dense 

clumps or tussocks. It is a longlived plant whose leaves can grow to 

a length of 36 inches.  e stronger, 

thinner, more pliable center leaves 

are preferred for both basket 

making and  oral arrangements. 

 e  owers (which grow on a stalk 

up to six feet tall) are a delicacy for 

deer and elk. Beargrass is found on 

well drained soils at elevations up to 

5,500 feet. 

Harvest Techniques: Only the leaves of the beargrass may be harvested. 

Leaves can only be harvested by hand. No tools are allowed.  e roots 

of the plant should be le undisturbed so the new leaves will grow. Do 

not disturb the  ower. Leaves can easily be wrapped in bundles for 

shipment. Beargrass is sold by the pound. Each person harvesting must 

have a valid map of the harvest area and a permit.

Stump, Chunks, Rootwads

Pieces are used for making 

furniture and landscaping.  ese 

are not in log form and cannot 

exceed 7 feet in length.  ese 

are generally collected from dead 

and down materials on top of 

ground. No digging is allowed. 
9

Cuttings, Stems & Forest Greens

Background: Most common uses are  oral arrangements, nursery stock 

or making specialty items such as bird perches and furniture. 

Forest Greens includes 

Oregon-grape, salal, ferns, 

snake grass, beargrass , 

manzanita and huckleberry. 

 ese products are sold by the 

pound and may have seasonal 

restrictions.

Cuttings are most commonly 

used for nursery stock 

such as alder, vine maple, 

rhododendron and other 

hardwoods. Cuttings do 

cannot exceed 1” inch in 

diameter and 24” in length and 

are sold by the piece. 

Stems are most commonly 

used as decorative pieces 

such as bird perches, making 

furniture or sold to nurseries 

for decorations. Manzanita, 

alder and vine maple are most 

commonly used. Stems are up 

to 2” inches in diameter and 

open length and sold by the 

piece. 
10

Firewood

Background: About ten percent 

of the population uses fi rewood 

as a primary source of heat. 

Some cut and use fi rewood to 

help reduce fuel bills and many 

enjoy the aesthetic warmth of 

a wood fi re. On the Mt. Hood 

National Forest most of the 

wood comes from slash left 

after timber sales, or blowdown along the road side. The amount of slash available varies from 

year to year depending on the amount of timber sale activity and the 

demand for chips. Wood should be cut early and stacked to dry so that 

it will burn cleanly and reduce air pollution. Some communities restrict 

fi rewood use during times of poor air quality. Harvest Techniques: 

Chain saws and splitting mauls are often used to cut fi rewood. Before 

heading for the woods check for:

1. Permit, tags, guide and map

2. Shovel, fi re extinguisher

3. Power saw, axe, wedges, and splitting maul

4. Ear and eye protection and a fi rst aid kit

5. Hard toed boots and leg protection

6. Food, water, sunscreen, sunglasses

7. Charge your phone before leaving home 

During fi re season, you are required to maintain a "fi re watch" lasting 

one whole hour after you fi nish cutting, to watch for fi re starts.

Have fun and be safe.
11

Firewood Rules and Regulations

1. Visit the closest Forest Service District offi ce.

2. You will learn where you can go to cut fi rewood and specifi c open 

and close dates. The season opens mid Spring (depends on snow 

level) and ends November 30th each year. 

3. You will be provided permits, maps, and load tickets.

4. Validate a load tag by completely removing the month and day tabs. 

Securely attach one validated load tag to the back of every cord of 

fi rewood. Make sure it is clearly visible. 

5. Fill out the Product Quantity Removal Record on your permit.

6. A cord of wood measures 8 feet 

long, 4 feet high, and 4 feet wide 

(2.4 meters long, 1.2 meters high 

and 1.2 meters wide).

7. Report illegal fi rewood cutting by calling your Ranger District offi ce.

8. Standing live or dead trees and other vegetation may not be cut or 

damaged in order to access fi rewood nor can you drive off existing 

roads. 

9. Park safely along roads so you do not impede traffi c.

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Posts, Poles, & Rails

Background: Popular uses include fences, corrals, fl ag poles, teepee 

poles, and jungle gyms. Species with straight trunks can be used and 

will last a long time when treated. 

Peeling off the bark and allowing 

the wood to cure will add years to its 

usefulness. 

Harvest Techniques: Chain or 

Crosscut saws should be used for 

cutting. 

Size Limits: Poles and Rails cannot be over 30’ in length or 6” 

diameter at the butt (ground level). They are generally green standing 

and must have a valid area map and permit. Posts are no more than 

10’ in length and 7” or less diameter measured at either end. These are 

generally “dead and down” trees or pieces. Go to the Ranger District 

offi ce closest to where you want to harvest for special instructions and 

maps.

Irregular wood pieces

Background: Popular use is for 

making furniture and landscape. 

You can purchase different lengths 

and sizes. No cedar can be 

harvested for this.

Harvest Techniques and sizes: 

Use of chain saw is the preferred. You may need the use of a wench or 

other tool the piece onto the trailer. The wood must be dead and on the 

ground. Harvesting cannot disturb the surrounding ground. The length 

cannot exceed 7.5 feet. 
13

Christmas Trees

Background: For many homes, the holiday season would not be 

complete without a fresh scented 

Christmas tree. Among the more 

popular trees are true fi rs (noble and 

grand), pine and Douglas-fi rs which 

have a more “natural” look than the 

intensively cultured trees from the 

tree farm.

Harvest Techniques: Do not cut 

any tree within a fenced area, or tree 

test sites. Cut tree as close to the 

ground as possible. Cut stumps should not be taller than 12” and no 

live branches are to be left on the stump. Do not cut any tree unless it is 

at least 300 feet away from highways, campgrounds or other developed 

areas. Cut only on public lands open to the public. Cut only trees less 

than 12 feet tall. (Larger trees available at a “per foot” cost). One tree 

tag (see below) is required for each tree removed. Be sure to validate 

by completely removing the day, month and year tabs and attaching it to 

your tree so that it is clearly visible before driving off. 

Season: Christmas tree season is November to December 24. 
14

Invasive Species

Be aware that The Oregon Legislature passed the new fi rewood law 

in 2011, to stop invasive species like the Emerald Ash Borer from 

gaining a local foothold and may pertain to all wood products gathered 

in Oregon or other States. Oregon Law 570.720 prohibits bringing 

fi rewood into or out of Oregon unless it has been treated.

Why? Forests are in jeopardy from the 

transportation of invasive insects and 

diseases in fi rewood. Invasive pests live 

in wood, and when you pack it up and 

transport it to your camping destination or 

home, you run the risk of invasive bugs 

crawling out and infesting trees nearby. Once certain invasive insects 

take hold it can be devastating to forests and outdoor recreation sites. 

Insects such as Emerald ash borer, Sirex woodwasp, Gypsy moth and 

Asian longhorned beetle, or diseases, 

such as Sudden Oak Death, are carried 

by fi rewood.

Invasive plants have been introduced 

to the region or U.S. from a different 

region or country. They may have 

been introduced intentionally (as an 

ornamental plant, for example) or 

accidentally (as a contaminant in crop seeds, for example). While 

many non-native plants are extremely benefi cial to society, like rice or 

potatoes, invasive plants spread rapidly and cause or are likely to cause 

harm to economic, environmental, or human health. Do not collect 

Invasive plants and look for seeds that may have attached to your 

clothing.

Be aware of invasive species and help stop the spread. 
15

Fire Precautions & Wood Gathering

To report a forest fi re, call 911. Woodcutters must know and comply 

with the following:

Industrial Fire Precaution Levels and Restrictions.

LEVEL I - Carry a shovel and fi re extinguisher and stay in area for one 

hour after power equipment has been shut off to watch for fi re starts.

LEVEL II - Carry a shovel arid fi re extinguisher and SHUT DOWN 

all power equipment at 1:00 pm. Stay in area for one hour after power 

equipment has been shut off to watch for fi re starts

LEVEL Ill and IV -All woodcutting activity is prohibited.

All Precaution Levels require:

a. that power equipment is equipped with a screen type spark arrester 

of 0.023 or less

b. that you have a long-handled shovel with an 8 inch (20 centimeters) 

blade

c. that you have a fi re extinguisher of pressurized chemical of not less 

than 8 oz. capacity by weight

During fi re season, you are 

required to maintain a “fi re 

watch lasting one whole hour 

after you fi nish cutting, to 

watch for fi re starts. 

To fi nd out what the IFPL is 

in the area you plan to cut in 

CALL: 503-668-1650 or

Check Our Website: www.

fs.usda.gov/mthood
16

The following conditions are part of your 

Free Use Permits (FS 2400-8)

These conditions are displayed on the back of your offi cial Special 

Forest Products harvest permit. You are required to understand and 

follow the terms and conditions on the back of your permit.

1. Forest Products obtained under “free use” are for personal use and 

cannot be sold or exchanged (36 CFR 261.6 (f).

2. Permit must be in the Permittee’s possession while harvesting and 

transporting products. Copies are not allowed.

3. This permit is nontransferable.

4. This permit and activities hereunder are subject to all applicable 

Federal statutes and regulations and State and local laws. In case of 

confl ict, Federal statutes and regulations shall take precedence. 

5. Motorized vehicles are not allowed off existing roads that are 

open to the public, unless otherwise specifi ed within this permit. 

Permittee parking shall not block traffi c or impede fi re or emergency 

vehicles.

6. Permittee shall remove all trash and litter resulting from Permittee’s 

activities.

7. Concurrent with forest product removal activities, slash and unused 

vegetative material resulting from Permittee's activities shall be 

removed from roads and ditches and scattered in the surrounding 

landscape. 

8. Permittee shall comply with fi re requirements and current 

restrictions to prevent forest fi res. 
17

The following conditions are part of your 

Free Use Permit (FS 2400-8) 

9. Permittee shall pay for or repair all damage to natural features; 

riparian areas; other vegetation; and roads, trails fences, ditches, 

telephone lines, or other improvements resulting from Permittee’s 

activities under this permit. 

10. The Forest Service reserve the right to unilaterally revoke this 

permit for Permittee’s noncompliance with its terms and conditions 

or when revocation is in the public’s interest.

11. Regardless of whether forest products are removed, this permit will 

terminate either at midnight of the termination date shown above, or 

when the quantity listed above is reached whichever comes fi rst.

12. None of the terms or conditions of this permit may be varied or 

modifi ed except for unilateral modifi cations by the Forest Service.

13. Permittee agrees to hold the Government harmless from any claim 

for damage or loss of property, personal injury, or death.

14. Collection of forest products is permitted only in the area(s) 

described by this permit.

15. Permittee shall complete the Product Quantity Removal Record in 

ink prior to transporting products. When load tickets are issued, the 

Permittee is required to complete load tickets when the Permittee 

moves the vehicle between collection sites. Load tickets must be 

securely attached to the load and clearly visible from the rear of the 

vehicle.
18

FS 2400-1 Forest Products Removal Permit

Subject to, and in strict compliance with, all the following conditions 

(both General and Other) and those listed above, the Permittee named 

herein is authorized to harvest and remove the forest products described 

above.

1. This sale is fi nal and payments are not subject to refund:

2. Permit must be in the Permittee’s possession while harvesting and 

transporting products. Copies are not allowed.

3. This permit is nontransferable.

4. This permit and activities hereunder are subject to all applicable 

Federal statutes and regulations and State and local laws. In case 

of confl ict, Federal statutes and regulations shall take precedence. 

Where applicable, a Memorandum of Agreement between the Forest 

Service and BLM governs administration and enforcement of this 

permit (Sec. 330,P.L. I06-29 1).

5. Motorized vehicles are not allowed off existing roads that are 

open to the public, unless otherwise specifi ed within this permit. 

Permittee parking shall not block traffi c or impede fi re or emergency 

vehicles.

6. Permittee shall remove all trash and litter resulting from Permittee's 

activities.

7. Concurrent with forest product removal activities, slash and unused 

vegetative material resulting from Permittee's activities shall be 

removed from roads and ditches and scattered in the surrounding 

landscape. 
19

FS 2400-1 Forest Products Removal Permit

8. Permittee shall comply with fi re requirements and current 

restrictions to prevent forest fi res.

9. Permittee shall pay for or repair all damage to natural features; 

riparian areas; other vegetation; and roads, trails, fences, ditches, 

telephone lines, or other improvements resulting from Permittee’s 

activities under this permit.

10. The Forest Service and/or BLM reserve the right to unilaterally 

revoke this permit for Permittee’s noncompliance with its terms and 

conditions or when revocation is in the public’s interest.

11. Regardless of whether forest products are removed, this permit will 

terminate either at midnight of the termination date shown above, or 

when the quantity listed above is reached whichever comes fi rst.

12. None of the terms or conditions of this permit may be varied or 

modifi ed except for unilateral modifi cations by the Forest Service 

and/or BLM .

13. Permittee agrees to hold the Government harmless from any claim 

for damage or loss of property, personal injury, or death.

14. Collection of forest products is permitted only in the area(s) 

described by this permit.

15. Permittee shall complete the Product Quantity Removal Record in 

ink prior to transporting products. When load tickets are issued, the 

Permittee is required to complete load tickets when the Permittee 

moves the vehicle between collection sites. Load tickets must be 

securely attached to the load and clearly visible from the rear of the 

vehicle.
20

We are pleased to have this opportunity to share with you information 

about the expanding special forest products program on the Mt. Hood 

National Forest. We hope this brochure will make it easier for you to 

use these products for personal, commercial and scientifi c purposes. 

All we ask is that you use them in a caring and ecologically sound way, 

following the standards and guidelines available at local agency offi ces. 

These standards have been designed both to enhance your enjoyment of 

the forest and its resources, and to maintain these resources for future 

generations. 

For further information please contact your local

Forest Service Offi ce on the Mt. Hood National Forest:

Barlow Ranger District Clackamas River RD

780 NE Court Street 595 NW Industrial Way

Dufur, OR. 97021 Estacada, OR. 97023

Phone: 541-467-2291 503-630-6861

Mon. thru Fri. 7:45 to 4:30 Mon. thru Fri. 7:45-4:30

Hood River Ranger District Zigzag Ranger District

6780 HWY 35 70220 E. Hwy 26

Mt Hood-Parkdale OR. 97041 Zigzag OR. 97049

Phone 541-352-6002 Phone 503-622-3191

Mon. thru Fri. 8:00-4:30 Mon. thru Fri. 7:45-4:30

Most of these offi ces are open on Saturdays after Memorial Day

Permits are not available at our Headquarters Offi ce in Sandy, Oregon.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and 

policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offi ces, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA 

programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity 

(including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived 

from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program 

or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint fi ling deadlines 

vary by program or incident. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large 

print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at 

(202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. 

To fi le a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, 

found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_fi ling_cust.html and at any USDA offi ce or write a letter addressed 

to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, 

call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Offi ce 

of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: 

(202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov . 

for the greatest good