Forest trying to stop huckleberry brush cutting

LEWISTON (AP) — Huckleberry pickers possibly trying to avoid doing their work in the sun are reportedly cutting truckloads of huckleberry brush in northern Idaho forests and hauling it away.

Law enforcement officers on the Nez Perce-Clearwater national forests say they've received recent reports from concerned berry pickers, but spokeswoman Laura Smith says they often don't get enough information to make a case.

Patrol captain Jill Forth tells The Lewiston Tribune (http://bit.ly/NQkVln ) the violation occurs on a yearly basis, but catching those involved is difficult. She says one enforcement officer is working a case, but no one has been cited yet.

The practice destroys the bushes and removing huckleberry bushes from National Forest lands is illegal.

Huckleberries are coveted for their sweet taste and can bring premium prices.