Gathering

Maine's Public Lands offer recreational gathering opportunities; some are traditional uses of generations of Maine people and visitors.

NOTE: Gathering is only allowed on Maine's Public Lands, not on Maine State Parks and Historic Sites which do not allow gathering or collecting of any kind.

Help maintain our renewable resources by collecting responsibly on Public Lands:

  • Get a permit when required.
  • Gather but leave enough to reseed and feed wildlife.

No Permits needed for:

  • Berry picking
  • Fiddlehead picking
  • Mushroom collecting

Permits Required for:

  • Firewood Cutting
  • Fir Tipping
  • Ash Trees
  • Birch Bark

For Permits - Based on your intended gathering location use this Lands Regions Map & Contact Information (PDF 431KB) to determine which Public Lands region office to call regarding a permit. If after looking at the map you are unsure which Public Lands region office to call, call the main office for the Bureau of Parks and Lands at (207) 287-3821 for assistance.

Learn more about Maine's Public Lands visit our Find Parks and Lands search feature.

To learn more about basketry, traditional arts and crafts, and natural resources visit the:

To find more berry picking sites and farmers markets visit these sites: