Harvesting pine nuts on the public lands is an inexpensive recreational activity that can lead to a memorable family experience.
“Each member of the public may collect up to 25 pounds of pine nuts at no charge,” said Cody Coombs, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Ely District fuels program manager. “There is a 25-cent charge for each pound above that.” He cautioned against confusing recreational harvesting with commercial harvesting, which carries some stipulations.
Coombs encouraged area residents and visitors to stop by the district office at 702 North Industrial Way, in Ely, for maps and information. He only asked that people stay on existing roads and trails and practice Leave No Trace land ethics.
Last weekend, BLM and Forest Service law enforcement officers conducted compliance patrols district-wide. The three-day outreach and education effort resulted in a few citations being issued to commercial harvesters
Pine nut collecting is one of many recreational activities that Americans can engage in on the public lands. Many families have cherished memories of cutting their own Christmas tree and that holiday is right around the corner.