BONNERS FERRY, ID Over 100 gallons of berries thought to have been illegally collected for commercial purposes in remote wilderness areas have been seized as a result of a multi-agency patrol headed by the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office.
Protecting recreational users and natural resources in Boundary County was the goal of the cooperative operation, which was carried out in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Border Patrol, and Kootenai Tribe of Idaho Law Enforcement. The patrol provided safety assistance, dealt with infractions, and instructed the public on safe outdoor practices while focusing on isolated paths and wooded regions.
The suspects in the illicit berry picking are alleged to be the same guys that escaped from U.S. Border Patrol authorities earlier this week, according to the Sheriff’s Office. It is anticipated that the seizure will aid the Border Patrol’s current investigation.
Boundary County Sheriff Travis Stolley remarked, “This was a strong and coordinated response to an issue that threatens both public safety and the integrity of our backcountry.” We were able to make significant progress with the cooperation of our partners and grant funding from the Forest Service.
In addition to stressing the value of legitimate leisure, the sheriff’s office advises the public to report suspicious activity, carry necessary supplies, and stay on designated paths.
