Commercial Development Morels in the East Kootenay, British Columbia

Abstract

The study builds on fieldwork done in the East Kootenay region of British Columbia (B.C.) on the habitat and productivity of the morel mushroom. In particular the study collects what is known and what is yet to be understood about the relationship of forest fires to the production of morels. It explores some of the difficulties of commercializing the morel harvest, when the locations and quantities of morel production are inconsistent from year to year and are dependent on normally unpredictable forest events such as fire and insect attack. On the basis of current information the authors examine the benefits of including morel production as a consideration in the planning of forest management strategies. They also point to key areas of additional morel research that could be useful in supporting a regular healthy commercial harvest.