County officials don’t have authority to enforce commercial picking ban

BONNERS FERRY — While they share residents’ concerns about out-of-state and commercial pickers plundering huckleberry crops and damaging forest land, there is little they can do, commissioners said Tuesday.

The commissioners sympathized with a local resident who complained about the commercial picking, but told the individual that ultimately, county officials do not have the authority to pass ordinances in national forest land, instead, they suggested the man and others concerned about the issue reach out the U.S. Forest Service. 

Similarly, the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office released a statement that it doesn’t have the authority to enforce commercial huckleberry restrictions. 

“That is a federal charge that needs to be investigated by the Forest Service as we do not have an Idaho law pertaining to commercial picking and selling of huckleberries,” Boundary County Sheriff Dave Kramer said. 

For the past several summers, locals have complained that their favorite picking spots are being trampled and picked dry by commercial pickers. Additionally, there have been concerns posted on social media regarding the selling and purchasing of huckleberries.  

“Commercial picking is already illegal, but we need someone who wants to enforce the law,” Bertling said, noting the local Forest Service is stretched thin with staff as enforcement staff covers both Bonner and Boundary counties.  

For residents who want an immediate solution, Bertling said, the government doesn’t work fast, and the season will be over before anything can be done. He suggested residents reach out to Congressman Russ Fulcher and Senator Jim Risch, who can put some pressure on the Forest Service at the federal level.  

There have been rumors of altercations between residents and commercial pickers at campsites, with the locals being forced out.  

Commissioner Ben Robertson said if there are any altercations, law enforcement should be called.  

The BCSO can enforce any violations of the Idaho Code, which may include littering and threats. 

“We encourage the public to notify the Forest Service of any suspected commercial huckleberry picking camps and to also notify our office of any camps where there may be violations of Idaho law,” Kramer said.  

“We will have an increased presence in the forest and popular huckleberry picking locations this season to help keep potential problems down,” he said. 

The sheriff’s office has a backcountry patrol program with the use of dua-sport motorbikes and ATVs to more easily check some of these areas in addition to normal patrols. 

It is also prohibited in the Idaho Panhandle Forest to camp or leave camping equipment in any one area or campsite for more than 14 days during any 30-day period. Camping is prohibited for the remaining 16 days in the Idaho Panhandle National forests.

Commercial huckleberry picking is defined as program with the use of dual-sport motorbikes and ATVs to more easily check some of these area in addition to normal patrols.