Skeetchestn Indian Band 

Sparks Lake Morel Mushroom Harvest Program--Closed 

Skeetchestn welcome you to our territory, which encompasses the Sparks Fires. The Skeetchestn people have lived and thrived on this land since time immemorial. Today we continue our role as stewards of the land through our management of forest resources, including the harvesting of understory products such as morels. As of May 2022, any persons or commercial entity entering Skeetchestn territory to participate in the harvesting, buying or processing (drying) of morels is required to purchase a permit and agree to the terms and conditions therein. Permits for camping on Skeetchestn territory, within Sparks Lake fire will also be required, for use at designated sites. The purpose of this permitting and monitoring initiative is:

• Ensure the environmental protection and stewardship of the land. 
• Reduce negative impacts to Secwépemc soils, waterways, cultural values, culturally historic sites, wildlife, habitats, ecosystems, road systems, and campsites.
• To increase safe operating practices in use to protect the public.
• Educate harvesters and buyers in how to coordinate and initiate emergency response.
• To assert Secwépemc rights, title and jurisdiction over our territory. 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 who’s traditional territory operations propose to take place. 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. 

Permits can be purchased one of three ways (there will be no permit sales prior to May 9, 2022 please see all buying options listed below):

• In person at 1040 Lemonade Flats (Round building with red roof), Mondays to Fridays from 7-3pm (closed for lunch between 12:00-1:00pm) starting Monday, May 16^th.
• In person from a Territorial Patrol officer that will be patrolling the Sparks Lake Wildfire area between May 16-July 10, 2022
• Online at www.srssociety.com under Morel Mushroom harvest tab starting May 16^th
  

territorialpatrol@snrcorp.ca 

These closures affect backcountry roads across approximately   536,000ha and were established due to the following concerns: Wildfires impact to habitats that need time to recover. Erosion of charred soils and impacts to fish habitat. Increased vulnerability of wildlife due to migration disruptions, habitat loss and improved sightlines for hunting where vegetation was burned. Increased access to wildlife habitat due to the construction of approximately 2,900 kilometres of fire guards.

Please see  FAQ Wildfire MVC_2021-FINAL.pdf