The Forest Service announced that commercial huckleberry harvesting permits will not be issued for the Gifford Pinchot National Forest this year, citing sustainability concerns, enforcement challenges, and escalating conflicts among harvesters. Personal use gathering will continue under existing guidelines. In a statement, the Forest Service says the decision comes amid increasing pressure from tribal nations, county officials, and local forest users to address declining huckleberry availability, enforcement limitations, and disputes over harvesting rights. By not offering commercial harvesting this year, the Forest Service says it will look address those issues by collaborating with tribal and local partners to develop long-term management solutions. The commercial huckleberry program has been in place since the 1990s, with annual harvests ranging between 50,000 to 70,000 gallons. But the Forest Service says concerns over drought and invasive species impacts, habitat loss, and enforcement challenges require a re-evaluation of commercial harvesting practices.