The New Era - All about Sweet Home since 1929

Through early November, matsutake mushroom pickers in the Willamette National Forest will need a free letter of authorization instead of a paid permit to allow for collection, transport and sale of the mushrooms.

The interim change is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and an effort to maximize social distancing measures to the extent possible, the National Forest Service said last week.

Packets with the authorizing letter and the requirements for harvesting the popular mushroom will be placed in the front of the offices, including the Sweet Home Ranger District headquarters, 4431 Highway...