Free Use Permits

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest issues free use permits for limited quantities of many forest products. See the Product Summary Table for a list of available forest products that you may gather with a free use permit. Check with the local Gifford Pinchot National Forest Office for the availability of products as some products may not be available on every Ranger District.

Harvest Requirements:

Personal Requirement

• You must pick up your free permit in person from any Gifford Pinchot National Forest Office or authorized vendors. Check with district offices for a list of vendors and permits they issue.
• The Gifford Pinchot issues free use permits in person, except for huckleberry and mushroom permits, which are available online.  Free use huckleberry permits are only available online. The online permit system is not compatible with Internet Explorer.  Please consider other browser options like Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge.
• You must be at least 18 years old and show a government-issued ID to get a permit.
• Permits are issued to individuals, so each person gathering products must have a permit.
• You must have your permit and special forest products map in your immediate possession while gathering and transporting Special Forest Products. 

Permit Basics

• Free use permits are issued at no charge.
• Free use permits are good for  limited time periods.
• The amount of product that you may obtain under a free use is limited by the value of the product(s) on the permit. Additional limits may apply. Ask about this when you pick up your permit!
• You must leave your work site and any campsites in a clean and sanitary condition. Please follow the principles of Leave No Trace.
• If you wish to gather more than the maximum allowed under the free use permit, you will need to purchase a Charge Use Permit.

Can I Sell My Forest Products?

• You may not sell or barter any product you gather with a free use permit or free use authorization. 
• If you wish to sell the products or items made from collected products you will need to purchase a Charge Use Permit.

Harvest Ethics

• We ask all permit holders to think and act with the wisest use of forest products. That means please use forest products in a caring and ecologically sound way. Take no more than you can use or consume.