U.S. Forest Service says no commercial huckleberry permits to be issued for 2026
The U.S. Forest Service announced Tuesday there will be no commercial huckleberry permits issued in 2026. The federal agency said the decision was made based on its commitment to tribal treaty rights, ecological recovery and focus on long-term management.
"Our responsibility is to steward huckleberry habitat in a way that honors treaty-reserved rights and trust responsibility, protects cultural resources, and ensures these plants remain abundant for generations," forest supervisor Johanna Kovarik said in a news release.
Personal-use huckleberry picking remains open under existing Forest Service regulations. Free permits are available at https://gp.fs2c.usda.gov/gp.
The announcement followed months of engagement that included an online public questionnaire, community roundtable, conversations with industry stakeholders, and discussions with the Yakama Nation, Tulalip Tribes and the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, which asked for permanent cessation of commercial huckleberry harvests.
"We heard clearly from tribal governments, forest users and local communities about the impacts of commercial harvest, and we are committed to a path forward that prioritizes ecological health and cultural respect," Kovarik said.
The goal of the agency's long-term planning is to support ecological and community needs, the news release said.
Huckleberry fields across the national forest have been in decline from conifer encroachment, fire suppression, drought and invasive species. The Forest Service is working to restore the fields through timber harvests, prescribed fires and vegetation treatments, according to the news release.
This story was made possible by Community Funded Journalism, a project from The Columbian and the Local Media Foundation. Top donors include the Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund, Patricia, David and Jacob Nierenberg, Connie and Lee Kearney, Steve and Jan Oliva, The Cowlitz Tribal Foundation and the Mason E. Nolan Charitable Fund. The Columbian controls all content. For more information, visit columbian.com/cfj.
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