Oklahoma Edible Plant and Mushroom Foraging Bill SB447
Foraging has long been a treasured practice, connecting people to the land and their food sources in a way that is both sustainable and educational. However, foragers in Oklahoma have faced significant restrictions when it comes to accessing state-owned and managed lands for gathering edible plants and mushrooms. That could soon change with the introduction of Senate Bill 447 (SB447), a new piece of legislation aimed at granting personal-use foraging rights on public lands.
How Edible Fungi Were Added to SB447
SB447 was initially introduced by Senator Mary Boren on January 8, 2025. At the time, the bill was written to allow foraging of edible nuts and plants, but it completely overlooked edible fungi. This omission is yet another example of how fungi are often disregarded in discussions about food security, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship. Recognizing this critical oversight, I took immediate action to ensure mushrooms were included in the bill. I personally contacted Senator Boren via phone and email, emphasizing the importance of adding edible fungi to the legislation. Additionally, I reached out to every active member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate to advocate for this necessary amendment. In total, I contacted all 101 House members and 48 senators to make my voice heard on this issue. Without my relentless efforts, edible fungi would have never been included in SB447.
While I never received a formal response from any lawmakers, my persistence paid off. I signed up for automatic updates regarding SB447 on February 27, 2025, and was thrilled to receive a new version of the bill that included edible fungi. This update proved that advocacy matters—without my direct action, mushrooms would have remained excluded from this vital legislation. Beyond directly contacting legislators, I also made sure to inform the foraging community about SB447’s progress. I published blog posts detailing the bill’s status, its potential impact, and how others could get involved. To make civic engagement more accessible, I even provided a sample message that Oklahomans could use when reaching out to their representatives in support of SB447.
The Legislative Process: How SB447 Becomes Law
Understanding how a bill becomes law is crucial for effective advocacy. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of SB447’s journey through the Oklahoma legislative process:
Bill Introduction – SB447 was introduced in the Oklahoma Senate by Senator Mary Boren on January 8, 2025.
First Reading – The bill had its first reading in the House of Representatives on February 3, 2025.
Second Reading and Committee Referral – On March 3, 2025, SB447 was referred to the Agriculture and Wildlife Committee. There, it passed unanimously, a significant victory for foragers across the state.
Title Stricken – However, the bill’s title was stricken, meaning it must return to its original chamber (the Senate) for further amendments before it can advance. Striking the title is a common legislative tactic that allows a bill to progress while acknowledging the need for additional refinements.
General Order in the Senate – Now, SB447 awaits scheduling by Floor Leader Julie Daniels. At this stage, it may be scheduled for a vote or proceed to a Third Reading and Final Passage.
Third Reading and Final Passage – If the bill passes this stage, it will be sent to the Governor’s desk for approval and signature.
This process may seem complex, but it is designed to ensure that new laws undergo thorough review and refinement before being enacted. Although SB447 still has several hurdles to clear, it is on track to become a law that benefits foragers and outdoor enthusiasts across Oklahoma.
If this bill doesn’t pass, foragers will continue to be limited to only three legal foraging places in Oklahoma: the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, the Ouachita National Forest, and private property. The first two locations only allow a 5-gallon bucket of mushrooms per person per year to be collected. These restrictions significantly limit the ability of Oklahomans to engage in sustainable foraging practices and highlight the urgent need for SB447’s passage.
Why SB447 Matters and How It Benefits Oklahomans
Foraging is more than just a hobby—it is an educational experience, a means of food security, and a way to foster a deeper connection with nature. If passed, SB447 would:
Enhance Food Sovereignty – Foraging empowers people to source local, nutrient-rich food, reducing reliance on commercial supply chains.
Support Biodiversity Awareness – Learning about wild edible plants and fungi fosters a greater appreciation for Oklahoma’s diverse ecosystems.
Create Educational Opportunities – The bill could lead to more foraging workshops and nature-based learning programs across the state, such as my own.
How You Can Help: Contact Your Legislators!
Although SB447 has made significant progress, public support is crucial for ensuring its passage. I strongly encourage everyone to contact their state senators and representatives to express support for the bill.
Here is a sample message you can use when reaching out to your legislators:
Subject: Support SB447 for Foraging Rights on Public Lands
Dear [Representative/Senator’s Name],
I am writing to express my strong support for SB447, a bill that would allow foraging of edible plants and mushrooms on state-owned and managed lands for personal use. This bill represents an important step toward promoting outdoor recreation, food security, and education about Oklahoma’s natural resources. Foraging is a sustainable practice that connects people to the environment, encourages responsible land stewardship, and fosters appreciation for our state’s rich biodiversity. Many other states have already implemented similar policies, demonstrating that foraging can be safely regulated while providing significant benefits to residents.
I urge you to support SB447 and advocate for its final passage. Please consider how this bill will positively impact individuals, families, and outdoor enthusiasts across Oklahoma.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information]
The Future of Foraging in Oklahoma
With continued advocacy and public engagement, SB447 has the potential to become law, opening up new opportunities for sustainable foraging in Oklahoma. While the legislative process takes time, it is through persistence and community effort that meaningful change happens.
For now, I encourage all Oklahomans to take action by contacting their legislators and spreading awareness about SB447. Let’s work together to ensure that future generations have the right to responsibly forage for edible plants and mushrooms on our state’s public lands.
For the latest updates on SB447 and other important legislation affecting the foraging community, stay tuned to my blog. Together, we can make a difference!
Resources:
Oklahoma Legislature Bill Information: SB447
Find Your Legislator: Oklahoma House & Senate
