The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes implemented a rule prohibiting non-Tribal members from harvesting berries on March 1, 2012.  A Tribal member may have non-member children and spouse accompany and assist with berry picking, provided that the non-member children and spouse have the required recreation permits in their possession.

The closure will protect native plant resources on the Reservation from damage caused by over harvest. “This type of closure is necessary to ensure these resources are managed for present and future Tribal members,” stated Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation and Conservation manager Tom McDonald.

“Our primary concern is protecting subsistence use of the natural and cultural resources in the area—while still providing recreation access for visitors,” McDonald stated.

For additional information on the closure, contact Tom McDonald or Germaine White at (406) 675-2700.