The morel of the rule
From http://www.nps.gov/rocr/faqs.htm -
9. Can I pick plants, berries, mushrooms, take animals home or remove historical items I find in the park?
No, no one may take anything out of the park, unless he or she is a professor or a professional (USGS, Smithsonian, etc.) with a permit (for plants or rocks) and he or she is using the specimen for an educational purpose. Visitors may be fined by Park Police if they are caught. If you see someone with a metal detector at places like Fort DeRussy or hunting for morels, please report these crimes to Park Police immediately!
There are morels in Rock Creek Park?! Looks like it's time to develop a new illegal extracurricular!
9. Can I pick plants, berries, mushrooms, take animals home or remove historical items I find in the park?
No, no one may take anything out of the park, unless he or she is a professor or a professional (USGS, Smithsonian, etc.) with a permit (for plants or rocks) and he or she is using the specimen for an educational purpose. Visitors may be fined by Park Police if they are caught. If you see someone with a metal detector at places like Fort DeRussy or hunting for morels, please report these crimes to Park Police immediately!
There are morels in Rock Creek Park?! Looks like it's time to develop a new illegal extracurricular!