Challenging 'community' definitions in sustainable natural resource management : the case of wild mushroom harvesting in the USA

In the light of the growing trend towards devolving natural resource management to local communities this paper argues that there is need for care to be taken in defining the community.
The need to think beyond residential proximity as the criteria for community is examined, especially with regards to non-equilibrium natural resources, where spatial and temporal distribution of the resource varies and transhumance strategies are commonly adopted. A case study of wild mushroom harvesting in the Pacific North West of the USA illustrates the importance of not overlooking the role played by external stakeholders whose livlihoods can be significantly affected by decisions regarding the use of the natural resource in question.
Finally, the authors offer suggestions on how an environment conducive to sustainable and profitable harvesting of non-equilibrium natural resources can be encouraged at different levels.