The Skwlax Nation in the North Shuswap is planning to limit access to mushroom harvesters on their traditional lands.

Kukpi7 James Tomma says they intend to establish a check stop at the start of the Scotch Creek Forest Service Road, which Tomma says falls on Band land.

“The Band owns [it] right at the entrance,” said Tomma in an interview with Radio NL.  “It’s been in trespass ever since the Forest Service Road has been in existence.”

Tomma says the Band is taking the action to try to limit the impact outside mushroom harvesters are having on the environment.

“Permanent camps up there, with no sanitary facilities. Garbage being dumped all over the place,” said Tomma.  “Some of the people that go up there, and feel they’re entitled and have a right to be there… but, you know, if they demand that, there’s responsibility that comes with that too you know.”

The Scotch Creek Forest Service Road, which runs from Scotch Creek to the north end of Adams Lake, is being used by mushroom pickers to access the wide swath of morel mushrooms which have come up in the remains of last summer’s Bush Creek East fire.

Tomma says while they intend to establish a manned checkpoint, their intention isn’t to block traffic.

“The gate is not going to be locked. We’re not shutting it down or anything,” said Tomma.  “We just need the province to come to the table and negotiate with us on how best we’re going to serve the environment.”

BC Government “monitoring” the situation

“Picking mushrooms is an activity shared by many people in B.C. and there is no license requirement at this time,” said the Ministry of Forests in a statement sent to Radio NL late Friday. “We are deeply concerned, and everyone should be aware and respectful of the First Nation territories they are on.”

The Ministry contends it is taking a proactive approach to the situation.

“At this time, we are working together with Skwlax Nation to monitor any activities that may have a negative impact on the environment in the area,” the statement further reads.

“Monitoring will not target authorized users such as our licensees, BC Timber Sales, contractors nor would it impact road maintenance or planned bridge replacements.”