One to three years following a wildfire, in mixed conifer forests West of the Rockies, morel mushrooms fruit in great numbers. For years, mushroom hunters have cherished access to these old wildfire scars as hunting grounds. Morels are choice edibles, sought after by chefs and foodies nationwide. In the last several years, the Oregon USFS has proactively closed desirable burn sites to the public often in favor of salvage logging operations. This behavior is new in the last several years. Access has been completely closed to pickers and heavy fines levied to those seeking to bend the rules. 

These public lands are meant for all of us to enjoy, mushroom hunters have just as much right to be in burn scars as salvage loggers. Many of us count on mushroom hunting for reasons ranging from mental health, to family enjoyment, and in some cases outright livelihood.  

Now is the time to act! Burn morel hunting season in Oregon begins at lower elevations in March/April moving up to higher elevations through the remaining summer months. Desirable fires such as the Cedar Creek fire are already closed to the public through the end of June - prime season. Based upon USFS behavior in previous years, it is also likely these closures will be extended. Make your voice heard - demand equal access to forest lands for Oregon foragers!