May Member Meeting & Foray

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This foray will only take place if Yakima County remains in Phase 3 and does not regress to Phase 2.

Current plan: After meeting at the designated location, we will caravan out to a 2nd location (still to be determined on conditions). From the second location, we will split into smaller groups to explore different areas and meet up again at 12:00 PM for lunch and to share our findings back at the 2nd location. Note: Please pack your own lunch. The club cannot provide food due to COVID restrictions. Face masks are still required when gathering; they can be removed when hunting and eating if distancing protocols are followed.

The location will most likely be in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, but could extend into the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest. Towards the end of April, the YVMS board scouted a variety of locations and conditions were not quite right for mushroom hunting. We are hopeful that mid-May will be more fruitful.

If conditions still aren't right for mushroom hunting, we can at least get in a good hike together and new members can get an idea of places they can return to in the future.

Back-up plan: If Yakima County regresses to phase 2, the foray will be cancelled and we will instead hold a virtual meeting via Zoom on May 17th at 6:30 PM. The purpose of the meeting will be to share about current conditions and a variety of good starter locations for mushroom hunting.

IMPORTANT: Please explore the following resources and download/purchase any of the necessary permits (foraging and/or parking).

Know the Rules of Mushroom Gathering

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: "Harvest of five gallons per day is free. A free Incidental Use Mushroom Information Sheet is required to be in the possession of anyone collecting morel mushrooms for personal use."

Gifford Pinchot National Forest: "Up to 2 gallons a day & up to 10 days a calendar year, totaling up to 20 gallons of mushrooms per year...  Get your free use mushroom permit online at: https://apps.fs.usda.gov/gp."

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest: "Permits are not required in certain situations: forest products may be consumed or used while on the forest without a permit... For items over incidental use, you will need to get a Free Use permit. This permit will allow you to gather up to (5) gallons.  Contact ranger district offices to obtain a permit or for more information.

Parking Permits:

• Discover Pass - For State recreation sites.
• NW Forest Pass - For National Forests in WA & OR
• For more options and information on WA state or national passes, please visit: https://www.wta.org/go-outside/passes