Provincial authorities are restricting commercial wild huckleberry harvesting in B.C. "Traditionally, the huckleberry harvest was limited to First Nations' sustenance and public household use," the ministry said in a news release. "The recent increase in commercial-scale huckleberry harvesting in the Kootenays has resulted in conflicts with grizzly bear foraging areas and damaged habitat, particularly when mechanical harvesting devices are used. Use of mechanical harvesting devices is discouraged throughout the Kootenay Boundary as a best practice." The use of mechanical pickers and any resale of the berries is prohibitedThe ministry said restrictions will be revised again next year.

Source: CBC News July 15, 2020 02:59 UTC