Ethics of Collecting Native Plant Materials

Most methods of obtaining native plants involve removing plants or portions of plants from natural environments. Careless use of these techniques can damage natural settings. Since you don't want to create natural habitats and restore degraded sites at the expense of natural sites, we urge you to observe the following guidelines when collecting plants, cuttings, and seeds:

• Before collecting on public lands, obtain all necessary permits.

• Get permission from the property owner before entering private property for any reason.

• Do not collect from wetlands or other environmentally-sensitive areas.

• If a plant or group of plants looks weak or unhealthy, do not collect from it– the extra stress may harm the plant, and you may transport a disease to your site.

• Collect only as much as you will actually be able to use. Care properly for any material you collect– don't let it go to waste. Share extras with neighbors or friends.

• When collecting cuttings, do not take more than 1/20th (5%) of any plant.

• When collecting seeds, do not take more than 1/20th (5%) of a particular species' seeds in an area. Collect from as many different plants as possible. Always leave enough seed for each plant to regenerate itself and for wildlife that may depend on the seeds for food.

• Collect whole plants only from construction sites where native vegetation will be destroyed. Be sure to get the property owner's permission first, and collect only from those portions of the property that will actually be bulldozed.

• Do not collect plants, seeds, or cuttings of rare or endangered species unless they are on a construction site and are actually in danger of being destroyed. However, if you find what you think is a rare plant in such an area, first contact the Washington Natural Heritage Program in Olympia (360-902-1650, or 360-902-1661).

• If you encounter an unfamiliar plant, or one that is different from what you are used to (for example, a different flower color), assume it is rare and do not collect seed or cuttings from it until you have determined it is not rare.

• Unless you are collecting from a future construction site, avoid encouraging others to collect from the same area– the more people collecting from a given area, the heavier the impact on the environment. Be prepared to explain what you are doing and why.

• Avoid unnecessary damage to sites. Avoid frequent visits to the same site.

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