Minnesota Mycological Society

A Society for the Study of Mushrooms and Other Fungi

Contact Your State Legislators about Foraging Rights

Published · Updated

Identify Your Elected Officials

You can find your state legislators by visiting the Minnesota State Legislature’s website: https://www.gis.lcc.mn.gov/iMaps/districts/
Enter your address to locate your State Senator and Representative—the first two people are who you are looking for.

Choose Your Method of Contact

Legislators often prefer emails or phone calls, but you can also write letters or schedule in-
person meetings. Here’s how to proceed:

  • Email: Best for detailed requests and attaching relevant information. – this is the best option and you can email them directly from the link above. 
  • Phone Call: Good for quick, direct advocacy. You may speak with a staff member rather than the legislator. (An excellent option as well. Very direct and timely)
  • Letter: A handwritten or typed letter can stand out but takes longer to be processed.
  • In-Person Meeting: If possible, meeting your legislator at their office or a local event is highly effective.

Be Respectful and Professional

Legislators receive many requests, so being courteous increases the chance they’ll seriously consider your concerns and request. Keep these principles in mind:

  • Be concise – Keep your message to the point, ideally within a few paragraphs.
  • Be respectful – Even if they disagree with you, thank them for their time and service.
  • Be personal. Share why foraging is important to you, your family, your community, and a time-honored tradition for many in Minnesota.
  • Be factual – Mention any scientific, economic, or cultural benefits of foraging on state lands.
  • Be specific – Add the bill number (House File 819 or Senate File 1464) related to a task force that will develop rules pertaining to foraging on state lands in Minnesota. Explain the importance of having organizations such as MMS at the table.

Sample Script for an Email or Phone Call

Subject: Support HF819/SF1464 Legislation to determine rules on foraging on state lands

Dear [Legislator’s Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a resident of [Your City or District] and a member of the Minnesota Mycological Society. I am writing to respectfully ask for your support for bipartisan legislation that will determine rules for responsible and sustainable foraging on state lands. The bill ensures that public organizations are at the table when Rules are being formed. This aligns with MMS’s goals of collaborating with the DNR on sustainable foraging practices. 

Foraging is a time-honored tradition practiced by great many cultural groups in Minnesota that promotes outdoor education, food security, and sustainable land stewardship. MMS members carefully follow ethical foraging practices that preserve natural ecosystems while benefiting local communities. Protecting public access for responsible foraging would ensure that future
generations can continue to engage with Minnesota’s rich natural environment. 

I would appreciate your support on this issue and ask that you sign onto HF819/SF1464. Please let me know if you would be open to discussing it further. Thank you for your time and for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Follow Up

If you don’t receive a response within a couple of weeks, it’s appropriate to follow up with a polite email or call to check-in. Legislators are busy, and a second contact can help keep the issue on their radar.

Below are other talking points that you could choose to incorporate into your email.

Talking Points: Collaboration Before Rulemaking on Foraging

Align with DNR’s Mission

  • The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ mission includes promoting outdoor recreation and fostering a connection between people and nature. 
  • Collaborative rulemaking aligns with this mission by ensuring continued access while protecting resources.
  • Inclusive decision-making supports the agency’s role as a steward of Minnesota’s natural heritage for all citizens.

Foster Public Trust and Cooperation

  • Involving the public, conservation groups, and outdoor enthusiasts in rulemaking ensures transparency and accountability, building trust in the decision-making process.
  • Collaborative efforts demonstrate the agency’s commitment to balancing conservation with public interests.

Leverage Diverse Expertise

  • Foragers, conservation organizations, and outdoor enthusiasts bring valuable knowledge about local ecosystems, species, and sustainable foraging practices.
  • Their input can enhance the scientific and practical understanding of foraging’s impact, leading to more informed and balanced regulations.

Encourage Sustainable Practices

  • Working with these groups can promote education on sustainable harvesting techniques, ensuring the long-term health of natural resources while helping the public understand its role in these protections.
  • Collaborative discussions can lead to developing best practices that align with conservation goals.

Avoid Unintended Consequences

  • Strict rules without public consultation risk unintended consequences, such as greater lack of compliance or reduced public engagement in natural resource stewardship.
  • Input from stakeholders can highlight potential conflicts or challenges before they arise, allowing for proactive solutions.

Support Public Health and Equity

  • Foraging provides many communities with access to nutritious, natural food sources. Without access and opportunities these policies would disproportionately impact low-income families and individuals relying on foraged food.
  • Engaging the public ensures the regulations consider equity and public health benefits.

Enhance Conservation Goals

  • Public collaboration can inspire shared ownership of conservation efforts, making compliance more likely to rules they helped shape.
  • Conservation organizations can offer additional resources or insights to improve enforcement and outreach strategies.

Prevent Backlash and Legal Challenges

  • Restrictive foraging rules implemented without stakeholder input could result in public pushback, negative media attention, or legal challenges, delaying conservation efforts.
  • A collaborative process reduces the likelihood of conflict and creates a stronger foundation for compliance.

Build a Legacy of Stewardship

  • Working together with the public and organizations instills a culture of shared responsibility, encouraging future generations to value and protect Minnesota’s natural resources.

By incorporating these perspectives, the DNR can craft well-rounded, effective, and widely supported foraging regulations.