Morels growing on Sparks Lake wildfire grounds; permit needed to harvest on Secwépemc territory
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SKEETCHESTN, B.C. — The Secwepemcul’ecw Restoration and Stewardship Society (SRSS) is reminding people about harvesting “understory” products — that is, products growing on the forest floor.
As of May, 2022, SRSS says anyone entering Secwépemc territory to participate in the harvesting, buying or drying of morels is required to purchase a permit and agree to the terms and conditions therein. It comes as morels grow on the grounds of the Sparks Lake wildfire in 2021.
Permits for camping at designated sites on Skeetchestn territory, within the Sparks Lake fire grounds, will also be required. SRSS says its to ensure the environmental protection and stewardship of the land, reduce negative impacts to Secwépemc soils, increase safe operating practices and educate harvesters and buyers in how to coordinate and initiate emergency response.
“As evidenced by our northern neighbors the Tsilhqot’in, in the landmark supreme court case of 2014; all resource extraction and impacts to the land under Aboriginal title must gain approval from the Nation on whose traditional territory operations propose to take place,” SRSS states. “This permit and the terms and conditions therein will formalize a temporary land use agreement with those applying to extract understory resources from Secwépemc Territory.”
