WARREN — The USDA Forest Service — Allegheny National Forest allows picking of leeks (Allium sp.), or also known as “ramps,” for personal consumption only on most lands within the Forest.

Personal consumption means picking only what you will use for yourself and your family. Persons picking leeks may not sell or exchange any portion of the material gathered for profit.

All persons collecting leeks are expected to exercise reasonable care in protecting the collection area from excessive damage — always leave some plants to produce leeks for the future, and minimize the disturbance to other plants and the soil when collecting leeks.

Collectors shall retain at least 70% of plants within in given site (site is defined as the immediate area in which the leaks are being collected).

Digging of leeks will utilize the smallest implement necessary for the removal of the underground bulbs in order to minimize soil disturbance and/or removal of adjacent non-target plants.

After removal of leeks (bulbs) any soil, rocks, or wood disturbed will be placed back in original position.

Leeks may not be harvested from certain areas in the ANF.

These areas include the Hickory Creek Wilderness and Allegheny Islands Wilderness, wilderness study areas, the Hearts Content Scenic Area and Tionesta Scenic Area; the Buckaloons Heritage Area and the Tionesta Research Natural Area.

Collection is prohibited in these management areas to conserve the resource values for which they were designated under the Allegheny National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan.