Filenews 22 October 2021
The Department of Forests of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment stresses the explicit prohibition of the use of tools for the purpose of finding or collecting mushrooms, on the occasion of the upcoming public excursions for mushroom collection. If convicted, the prison sentence is up to one year or a fine of up to five thousand euros or both of these sentences. At the same time, the Department gives instructions for proper mushroom collecting. Among other things, the sweeping removal of the leaf causes damage to the forest ecosystem, since it destroys small mushrooms that are about to germinate, as well as microorganisms and plants of the area, while at the same time, it aesthetically degrades the forest.
In particular, in its announcement, the Department clarifies the following:
- Many collectors in their effort to be more effective use tools mainly rakes (combs), to remove the leaf that covers the mushrooms. This practice is expressly prohibited by the Forestry Law and in case of conviction, it carries a prison sentence of up to one (1) year or a fine of up to five thousand euros (€5,000.00) or both (2) these penalties.
- The localization of mushrooms should be done after careful observation by collectors who are able to recognize the edible species from the poisonous ones. When collecting, remove the leaf only from the part above the mushroom and then cut the mushroom with a knife just above the ground. Then, the booklet that was moved should be repositioned.
- Collection should be carried out with care and with respect for nature. What matters most is not so much whether or not the mushroom (fruit) will be collected, but not to destroy the productive fungus that finds protection under the leaf.
- It is very important to collect only ripe mushrooms that have released a large number of spores, thus ensuring their reproduction in the following years.
The Department of Forests strongly appeals to the public to apply the right practices and report the violations to the nearest Forest Station. The sweeping removal of the leaf causes damage to the forest ecosystem since it destroys small mushrooms that are going to germinate, as well as microorganisms and plants of the area, while at the same time, it aesthetically degrades the forest.
