Harvesting boletus and mushrooms in the forest: be careful, it could cost you dearly – Midi Libre

The mushroom season attracts a large number of people to the forest. But everyone has to follow certain rules. In Lozère, the gendarmes carry out control operations. We take a look at the regulations. Mushroom lovers are back in the forest! The porcini mushroom harvest is in full swing, especially in Lozère, but that’s no reason to do anything… The regulations are strict and the Lozère gendarmerie has reminded two offenders of the rules to follow. In particular the maximum authorized weight: lovers of the famous Bordeaux cepe can only harvest 10 kg per person per day. Some have learned it the hard way. Mushrooms belong to the owner of the land You should also know that mushrooms belong to the owner of the land where they grow (art. 547 of the civil code). In France, 75% of land belongs to individuals. The remaining quarter is owned by the State or local authorities. It is managed by the National Forestry Office (ONF). The collection of mushrooms by third parties is a tolerance and not a right. In public forests (state, communal), family gathering (the quantities taken are modest and intended for domestic consumption) is generally authorized. On the other hand, in private forests, the collection of mushrooms is subject to the authorization of the owners, recalls the UFC-Que-Choisir. On unfenced land or in the absence of signs prohibiting access, picking up is often tolerated. But it is imperative to inquire before venturing there to avoid any misunderstanding with the owners. Fines of 150 to 750 € Note that the picking of mushrooms can be regulated by a prefectural decree which delimits the territory, lists the mushrooms concerned and sets the period of application of the restriction or ban, as well as the quantity maximum to collect. Abusive and unauthorized collection can give rise to heavy fines, from 150 to 750 €, when the volume extracted is greater than 5 liters, details in particular the consumer defense association. The knife yes, not the rake… The uprooting and destruction of mushrooms, as well as the use of scarifying tools (pickaxe, rake, etc.) is prohibited. However, you can bring a knife (or other sharp tool) to cut the mushrooms flush with the base. Don’t trample on or pull up mushrooms that don’t interest you!