Band asks province for ‘action plan’ for them and other wildfire affected areas
The problem of unauthorized mushroom pickers on Skwlāx lands has escalated to the point of threatened violence and requested intervention from the province.
In the wake of the Bush Creek East wildfire, the Band reports the situation has worsened with an abundance of morels that retail for about $50 a pound. The Skwlāx say if the mushrooms are on their land, they should have first rights to harvest them for traditional medicines and uses. Tomma said he’s not only concerned for band members, but also the trespassing pickers as the land is still in a dangerous state post wildfire. He said that last week, as SteS Guardians – stewards of the territory who protect the land for everyone – were talking with one picker, “a second one walked into the forest and fell down a hole.”
As of May 3, the province had sent some officers to survey the situation, and are meeting to come up with a plan of action, which Skwlāx wants to be included in. The Band has already suggested check points, warning signs in the area and that people need to have a permit to pick, which would be monitored at the check points. They have also mentioned the possibility of putting up fences or barricades on the Lee Creek forest service road to limit access.
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