The U.S. Forest Service has temporarily banned commercial huckleberry picking in Gifford Pinchot National Forest this summer to protect tribal rights and ecosystem sustainability. This decision follows long-standing complaints from the Yakama Nation regarding the impact of commercial harvesting on their traditional practices. The ban aims to foster collaboration with tribal governments and assess long-term changes to management strategies, ensuring that huckleberries remain a crucial resource for Indigenous communities. Tribal members expressed joy at the decision, indicating hopes for a permanent prohibition on commercial picking.
Huckleberries are a vital cultural and ecological resource, and we must ensure their sustainability for generations to come," Johanna Kovarik, Gifford Pinchot's forest supervisor, said in a written statement.
Our elders, I think, are smiling about this," said Trina Sherwood, a 60-year-old Ḱamíłpa member and food gatherer.
It's like a dream come true," said Elaine Harvey, 48, who is Sherwood's niece and also a food gatherer...
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