Chaga, threatened by rampant harvesting

The craze for more chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is now threatening this ecologically-delicate species, says Paul Stamets. He recommends growing the mycelium of the Chaga mushroom under laboratory conditions as this provides an ecologically friendly alternative supply of this unique medicinal mushroom.

ON THE OTHER HAND:
I Sweden, the Environmental Protection Agency has explained that there are no restrictions regarding the harvesting of chaga from the forest as long as one does not damage the tree. However, there are certain restrictions in particular nature reservations. 

In the meantime, I have no plans of climbing up tall ladders and hacking down a chaga before teatime.