SFP General Guidelines

Boughs

Background: Boughs are used by individuals and the floral industry for a variety of seasonal decorations. All conifers can be used this way, but the most popular species on the Salem District are noble fir, Douglas-fir, and western red cedar. Boughs are shipped commercially throughout the country.

Harvest Techniques: Pruning tools are usually adequate. Restrictions on where in the tree and how much of the branches may be harvested are usually contained in the special provisions that are attached to the contract.

Season: Harvest season is normally from the last week in September through the first week in December.

Greenery and Transplants

Background: Many native plants and shrubs are popular with both the floral industry and the home gardener. Their colorful vegetation, bright flowers or pleasing shapes make them ideal for accenting floral arrangements or transplanting to home landscapes. Among the most widely used native plants are salal (Gaultheria shallon), evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum), and sword fern (Polystichum munitum). There are several families of plants that are not sold as transplants as their transportation may be restricted under Oregon law. A listing of these can be found in Table 1 under the Overview and General Information Section. A contract will be required for any transplants to be removed and more than likely will be needed for accent greenery. Check with the Salem District Office before harvesting/removing.

Harvest Techniques: Simple pruning and trimming can be used for accent greenery. Shovels and heavy hand tools will be needed for transplants, as will potting soil and a large pot or burlap to keep the roots moist during transport.

Season: Greenery may be sold year round. To avoid shock, transplants should be harvested after terminal buds have hardened, usually in late fall or winter.

Moss

Background: Mosses are non-flowering plants. They contain chlorophyll and produce their own sugars, but instead of having roots, they have rhizoids. The visible parts of moss consist of the leafy base and a stalk-like reproductive structure. Moss is found attached to branches or boles of trees, as well as in duff, logs, soil, and rocks in both dry, rocky habitats and dense moist forests. It is used by commercial nurseries and homeowners alike to retain moisture around bedding plants and in floral arrangements.

Harvest Techniques: Moss is harvested by pulling it by hand from trees or limbs. Some moss should sbe left on limbs to encourage regrowth. Moss on the ground or above 10 feet is normally reserved under the contracts issued by the Salem District. Cutting of branches or trees to remove the moss is also prohibited.

Season: Moss may be harvested year round, but most moss is harvested during the summer and early fall due to lower moisture content within the moss.

Notice: Marys Peak Resource Area has discontinued selling moss and salal for environmental reasons. Marys Peak Resource Area may issue SFP permits for other products on a case-by-case basis. Call the Salem BLM office (503 375-5646) for an appointment prior to the issuance of a SFP product.

Mushrooms

Background: Mushrooms consist of two parts: the fruiting body (seen above ground) and a web-like root structure called the mycellium (located below ground). The mycellium decomposes organic matter which the organism digests as food. Many mushrooms are edible, harmless and delicious; many others are poisonous. It is critically important to know the difference; one bite of some poisonous mushrooms can be fatal.

Harvest Techniques: Most mushrooms should be cut off at ground level. Do not disturb the soil, woody debris, surrounding vegetation, or the mushroom's mycelial mat. Use of rakes or leafblowers in collecting mushrooms is prohibited on the Salem District. Pick with a knowledgeable partner.

Season: Springtime is best for morels (Morchella spp.) and fall is best for chanterelles (Cantharellus spp.), king bolete (Boletus edulis), and puffballs (Calvatia spp.). Matsutake is not sold on the Salem District.

Posts, Poles and Rails

Background: Depending on size, the uses for posts, poles and rails are as varied as a person can invent or the market will allow. Popular uses include fences, corrals, flag poles, tepee poles, children's playhouses, and jungle gyms. Other softwood species with straight trunks can be used and will last a long time when treated with preservatives. Peeling off the bark and allowing the wood to cure prior to use will add years to their usefulness.

Harvest Techniques: Chain or crosscut saws should be used for cutting post, poles and/or rails.

Season: Harvest may be allowed year round with a contract, dependent upon site-specific conditions.

Firewood

Background: About ten percent (10%) of the population uses firewood as its primary source of heat. On the Salem District, firewood comes mostly from slash left from completed timber sales. Some also comes from standing hardwoods that must be removed for safety or silvicultural reasons. The amount of slash available for firewood varies from site to site and year to year. It normally depends on how many timber sales are completed, what the demand for chips is at the time of harvest, and how much material is being left for environmental reasons. Wood should be cut early and stacked to dry for at least 6 months. This will allow it to burn more cleanly and reduce air pollution. Some communities restrict firewood use during periods of poor air quality.

Harvest Techniques: Chain saws and splitting mauls are used most often to cut firewood. A contract is needed to harvest firewood on the Salem District. Unless prohibited by the contract, steel cables, snatch blocks and winches may sometimes be needed to bring pieces to the road.

Season: Firewood cutting is allowed year-round, depending on local restrictions.