WARREN — On most Forest Service lands within the Allegheny National Forest the USDA Forest Service allows the harvesting of wild leeks (Allium sp.) for personal consumption. Personal consumption means harvesting only what you will use for yourself and your family. The recommended harvest limit for personal consumption is up to two gallons of leeks per person, or about the amount that fits in a plastic grocery bag. Collection for business or commercial purposes is not allowed and collectors may not sell or exchange any portion of the wild leeks for profit.

Everyone who harvests wild leeks, also known as ramps, is expected to exercise reasonable care by protecting the harvest area from excessive damage. Always leave some plants to mature and produce next year’s leeks. When digging bulbs, use a soil fork or small hand trowel and a knife, rather than a large shovel. To dig leeks, loosen the soil with the fork or trowel and use the knife to cut the roots beneath the bulb. After you dig up a leek, fill the hole in with any rocks or soil you disturbed and cover the bare soil with leaf litter to reduce the likelihood of invasive species taking root.

Abide by the following to ensure that future generations will enjoy wild leeks for years to come:

Collection of wild leeks is prohibited in some management areas to conserve the resource values for which the areas were designated under the Allegheny National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan. Collection of wild leeks is not allowed, even for personal consumption, in these areas:

Home and landowners can help take the pressure off the wild population of leeks by growing them on their property.

Learn how to grow leeks here: https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/compass/2017/04/12/grow-your-own-ramps-2/