science environment

Resolving Oregon's Truffle Kerfuffle

By Devan Schwartz (OPB)
Nov. 14, 2013 8:35 p.m.
A haul of truffles, photographed with a pair of rulers to give a sense of scale. New rules will require truffle hunters to get permission before foraging for these fungi on private and state forests in Oregon.

A haul of truffles, photographed with a pair of rulers to give a sense of scale. New rules will require truffle hunters to get permission before foraging for these fungi on private and state forests in Oregon.

Lincoln County Sheriff Department

Oregon’s Board of Forestry moved forward Thursday to regulate truffle hunting on state and private lands.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

That means truffles will became Oregon’s first regulated forest product in nearly twenty years.

Truffles aren’t mushrooms, though they are fungi. Mushrooms grow above-ground, truffles underground.

This small distinction kept truffle hunting from being regulated on state and private forestlands the way mushrooms are.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

In recent years, Oregon’s gourmet chefs have clamored for black and white truffles. And that, in turn, had forestland owners clamoring for the 2013 Legislature to take action.

Jim James of the Oregon Small Woodlands Association says truffles are harvested by digging in the roots of Doug firs. The process, he says, can go two ways.

“You can do it and not hurt the tree. You can also be careless,” he said.

Sheriff's Deputy Gary Davey works in coastal Lincoln County, where he received complaintsabout truffle hunting on private tree farms. He testified before a legislative committee this summer about the need for permits, or fines, for truffle hunters. He says this will help rein in the wild west of truffle hunting.

“They’re pretty territorial when it comes to their truffle grounds. Two subjects have been armed with side arms. I found that disturbing,” Davey said.

The Legislature triggered the current rule-making process by passing House Bill 2615. Davey argues that the new regulation will create a safer environment and prevent damage to the forest.

Truffle hunters, like those seeking mushrooms or firewood, will be required to contact landowners or the Oregon Department of Forestry for permission.

The Board of Forestry has until July to finalize the details of its new forest regulations. Public comments are accepted through April 1.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: