THE GORGE — Huckleberries hold significant cultural and economic importance to tribes, local communities, businesses, and personal use gatherers. In the early 2000s, permitted commercial huckleberry harvesting began on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest (GPNF), with harvests ranging from 50,000 to 70,000 gallons annually. 

In March of 2025, the U.S. Forest Service announced that commercial huckleberry harvesting permits would not be issued by the GPNF for the duration of the 2025 season. This decision was made due to overharvesting concerns, enforcement challenges, and escalating conflicts among harvesters.Â