Mushroom foraging laws in Utah

Summary

Utah has no rule that names mushrooms on state land. State park rules require written permission to remove natural resources, and it is unclear whether that covers mushrooms. Utah does bar food establishments from selling wild-picked mushrooms.

Public land

State parks: you need written permission from the Division to remove or use "any natural or cultural resource." The rules define those resources to include "all plants, animals" and natural systems. Fungi are not named, so it is unclear whether picking mushrooms is covered. Ask the park first. Wildlife Division lands: the rule's list of banned uses does not mention plants or mushrooms. Trust lands (SITLA): low-impact, non-commercial activities are allowed without written permission, but the rules ban "searching for treasure, artifacts, or other natural or man-made items," and mushrooms are not mentioned. It is unclear whether picking is covered. Federal lands follow their own rules.

Selling

Utah's food rule says mushrooms picked in the wild cannot be offered for sale or service by a food establishment. The Food Code exceptions still apply: cultivated wild mushroom species grown in a regulated operation, and packaged product from a regulated food plant. This rule covers food establishments. It does not address other kinds of sales.

Sources

• Utah Admin. Code R651-620-2, Trespass (State Parks, via Cornell LII)
• Utah Admin. Code R651-601-4, Natural and Cultural Resources (State Parks, via Cornell LII)
• Utah Admin. Code R657-28-4, Unlawful Uses and Activities on Division Lands (via Cornell LII)
• Utah Admin. Code R850-12-300, Prohibited Activities on trust lands (via Cornell LII)
• Utah Admin. Code R850-12-400, Non-Commercial Low-Impact Activities (via Cornell LII)
• Utah Admin. Code R392-100-4, Incorporation by Reference (Food Code, via Cornell LII)
• FDA Food Code 2022, section 3-201.16 Wild Mushrooms

Last verified: November 11, 2026