Free use permits allow mushroom hunters to gather up to five pounds of fungi for personal consumption at no charge. Chargeable permits, which are issued for a fee of $4 per pound, are to be purchased by mushroom collectors planning to gather fungi in large quantities. Up to 75 pounds of mushrooms can be collected per person, within a calendar year, using this permit.
“It is important to have the original permit with you while you are harvesting and transporting mushrooms,” said Heidi Rieck, Patrol Captain for the Stanislaus. “Other regulations also apply and our visitor center staff will explain these policies when you obtain your permit. Our goal is to make mushroom picking a positive experience for everyone involved.”
As with any product gathered from the forest, Law Enforcement Officers ask that you collect mushrooms legally. Mushrooms must be cut from the stem, not raked. Permits are not transferable to another person. Free use mushrooms must also be sliced in half length-wise as soon as they are harvested. Permit holders must also complete the “Product Quantity Removal Record” portion of the permit prior to transporting mushrooms.
On the Stanislaus, we do want you to enjoy the bounty of this forest while being respectful of the resource. If you have additional questions regarding mushroom permits, please contact the Stanislaus Supervisor’s Office at: 209-532-3671; Calaveras Ranger District (RD) at 209-795-1381; Groveland RD 209-96
