Gifford Pinchot renews commercial huckleberry ban

The U.S. Forest Service will not issue commercial huckleberry permits for the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in 2026, it announced Tuesday.

Personal-use permits remain available under existing regulations.

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The change comes following formal requests from the Yakama Nation, Tulalip Tribes and the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians.

A resolution from the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians stated that tribal gatherers noted more berries, reduced harassment and safer gathering conditions in 2025 when commercial gathering was prohibited. It also documented the cultural, ceremonial and subsistence importance of huckleberries to local tribes.

Huckleberry fields in the forest are declining due to conifer encroachment, fire suppression, drought and invasive species, the Forest Service stated in a press release.

The Forest Service is beginning an evaluation of long-term management options, which is planned to involve public engagement and consultation with affected tribes.

Personal or free-use huckleberry permits are available for free on the Gifford Pinchot website.

Free-use permits allow holders to harvest one gallon per day for a total of three gallons per year. Huckleberries harvested under a free-use permit may not be sold or traded.

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