ASHEVILLE (AP) — Officials are marking the start of ramps season with some advice for people heading to western North Carolina hoping to harvest the plant.
The U.S. Forest Service says up to 5 pounds of ramps can be harvested for personal use without a permit. For any amount above that, a $20 commercial permit is required.
The maximum total annual commercial harvest is 500 pounds. Commercial harvest areas will be periodically rotated with no more than 50 percent occurring within any one area.
Harvesters are encouraged to pick only what they need as a means of helping to ensure that populations of ramps remain in the forest for next year’s harvest.
Poaching of ramps is illegal. Those convicted of poaching may face fines.