This photo was taken on June 28. The Sami people herding the reindeer didn't seek permission to use a helicopter. PHOTO: KJELL J. MADSEN The three Sami groups who herd reindeer in Børgefjell use around 10 motorcycles. PHOTO: KJELL J. MADSEN

The southern Sami don't always use traditional herding methods, and that's what's causing controversy. Torstein Valdemar Appfjell of a Nordland Sami reindeer herding group says that taking a motorcycle away from a herder would be like taking a tractor away from a farmer.

"This is, after all, 2006," he told newspaper Aftenposten. He claims the actual use of motorized vehicles to herd reindeer is limited, and that the high cost of helicopters limits its use as well.

Environmentalists feel squeezed. They want the least amount of driving possible in Børgefjell, between Namsos and Mo i Rana, but also want to maintain the Sami-run herding of reindeer.

There's a clear desire by both the Sami herders and the authorities to reach an agreement, and a management plan for Børgefjell is in the process of being created. The authorities don't want the Sami to react like they did in Blåfjella and in the Skjækerfjella National Park, where they boycotted work on similar plans.

Strong feelings are in play. Many reindeer herders don't see any need to negotiate. As indigenous people, the Sami believe they have a right to operate as they like, also in a modern version of their traditional herding.

"This is our workplace," claims Tor Enok Larsen, referring to Børgefjell. "They (national authorities) have created a national park in a central area for reindeer herding. Everyone has to understand that. Reindeer herding needs to keep up with the times."

He claims the Sami themselves "are critical about how we use motorized vehicles, and how much we drive. We have a legacy to manage, where herding and nature should go hand in hand."

Tor Enok Larsen claims, though, that in a situation where their herding comes in conflict with management of the area, and there are no agreed solutions, the herding should come first.

Roar Høgsæt, environmental chief for Nordland County, notes that the Sami didn't seek permission to use motorized vehicles in an area where they're otherwise banned. "At the same time, we see that the herders have a need to drive," he said. "We're seeking cooperation through a management plan, which also should show how vulnerable the area is for such driving."