Jackson Demonstration State Forest
JDSF is the prime resource for mushroom hunting here on the Mendocino Coast. Here you will find an abundance of species over 48,000+ acres of varied terrain from one to over 20 miles inland. JDSF requires all mushroom hunters that intend to pick any mushrooms to have a permit. Permits are good for one year, cost $20 and may be obtained in person or via the mail.
NOTE: The CalFire office is currently closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, so all permits must be obtained via the mail.
You may access the forest via logging roads, many of which are still in active use. Consult the road closure bulletins before heading out. You may also want to check the latest timber harvest plans so ensure that you are not headed for an active logging site.
There are many notable trails that you can walk to familiarize yourself with what JDSF has to offer.
You can download a PDF of the JDSF map here.
JDSF is the prime resource for mushroom hunting here on the Mendocino Coast. Here you will find an abundance of species over 48,000+ acres of varied terrain from one to over 20 miles inland. JDSF requires all mushroom hunters that intend to pick any mushrooms to have a permit. Permits are good for one year, cost $20 and may be obtained in person or via the mail.
NOTE: The CalFire office is currently closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, so all permits must be obtained via the mail.
You may access the forest via logging roads, many of which are still in active use. Consult the road closure bulletins before heading out. You may also want to check the latest timber harvest plans so ensure that you are not headed for an active logging site.
There are many notable trails that you can walk to familiarize yourself with what JDSF has to offer.
You can download a PDF of the JDSF map here.
Timber Harvest Plans - JDSF
JDSF regularly conducts timber operations and timber harvest plans throughout the forest. Plans may be reported in the JDSF website along with road closures, but this is after they have been approved and work is to begin. If you'd like to know about future plans and have the opportunity to comment, check out these two options:
There is a local organization, the Mendocino Trail Stewards that has rounded up all the pertinent information about proposed THPs in JDSF and provides guidance and advice for how to submit an effective comment. Please go to their website and take a look at all the information under the Timer Harvest Comments menu. If you’d like to stay informed about THPs and events in JDSF you can subscribe to their newsletter on their website. https://www.mendocinotrailstewards.org.
You can research timber harvesting within California and provide public comments on plans via the CalTREES website. You do not need to create an account to search for a plan, but you do if you would like to comment.
JDSF regularly conducts timber operations and timber harvest plans throughout the forest. Plans may be reported in the JDSF website along with road closures, but this is after they have been approved and work is to begin. If you'd like to know about future plans and have the opportunity to comment, check out these two options:
There is a local organization, the Mendocino Trail Stewards that has rounded up all the pertinent information about proposed THPs in JDSF and provides guidance and advice for how to submit an effective comment. Please go to their website and take a look at all the information under the Timer Harvest Comments menu. If you’d like to stay informed about THPs and events in JDSF you can subscribe to their newsletter on their website. https://www.mendocinotrailstewards.org.
You can research timber harvesting within California and provide public comments on plans via the CalTREES website. You do not need to create an account to search for a plan, but you do if you would like to comment.
Mushroom ID Guide
Here's a nifty guide to use in the field or after you've returned with samples you'd like to identify. Knowing these features will allow you to key out your finds.
Here's a nifty guide to use in the field or after you've returned with samples you'd like to identify. Knowing these features will allow you to key out your finds.
A Mushroom Forager's Checklist
Before you head out into the woods, here's a quick list of items you might want to take with you and some common sense hints and tips to keep you safe. A Mushroom Forager's Checklist PDF
In addition to the items on the above list, our members also recommend the following:
-Hiking boots by XTRATUF or Boggs
-Solar Power Bank Model ES982 Cost $49.99 on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Charger-25000mAh-Battery-Portable-External/dp/B07MR5RPLL
Before you head out into the woods, here's a quick list of items you might want to take with you and some common sense hints and tips to keep you safe. A Mushroom Forager's Checklist PDF
In addition to the items on the above list, our members also recommend the following:
-Hiking boots by XTRATUF or Boggs
-Solar Power Bank Model ES982 Cost $49.99 on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Charger-25000mAh-Battery-Portable-External/dp/B07MR5RPLL
Hunting Chanterelles, Hedgehogs and Black Trumpets
You can download a presentation I made for the Sonoma County Mycological Association (SOMA) that shows you the different Chanterelle species and the Hedgehogs in our area.
You can download a presentation I made for the Sonoma County Mycological Association (SOMA) that shows you the different Chanterelle species and the Hedgehogs in our area.