Forest Service: No commercial huckleberry permits

The U.S. Forest Service announced last week that 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 a 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.