Laws
While most US National Parks prohibit removing any plants or wildlife to protect ecosystems, some state and local parks allow foraging with regulations in place. Always check with the specific park you're visiting to see if foraging is permitted and, if so, what kind of plants and fungi you can harvest and how much.
RESEARCHING FORAGING LAWS IN NATIONAL & STATE PARKS
Foraging in the US can be a fun adventure, but knowing the legalities beforehand is important. Here are some tips to help you research!
Dig into the NPS.gov: The National Park Service website (https://www.nps.gov/) has a wealth of information. Search for “foraging in national parks” to find an overview, but remember, individual park rules may differ.
State DNR is Your Ally: Each state has a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website. Look for “[State Name] DNR + foraging” to find regulations or downloadable guides. These often detail permitted species and quantities.
Don’t Forget Permits: Some state parks may require permits for foraging. Search for “[State Name] DNR + special use permits (foraging)” to see if this applies to your chosen park.
Bonus Tip: Park rangers are a fantastic resource! If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to contact a ranger at the park you plan to visit. They can provide the most up-to-date information on allowed practices and answer any questions you might have.