Tag: Tribal

The importance of Indigenous gathering practices

by Mei Geller, Science Communication Intern  • 
To the untrained eye, an old field may be unremarkable. At best it can be a place to spot wildlife, but few would consider it to have any importance to daily life. However, for the Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik communities in Maine and New Brunswick, old fields are one of numerous habitats where plants are gathered…  More 

Children Learn about Weather and Climate

by Sarah Farmer, SRS Science Communications  • 
A partnership between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the U.S. Forest Service Southern Research Station has led to the development of a second educational module for Cherokee youth. The first module focused on culturally significant plants, and was completed in 2015. The most recent module introduces children to climate, weather, and climate change.…  More 

A Graduation Milestone and a Special Gift Honor a Father’s Wisdom

by Stephanie Worley Firley, EFETAC  • 
Throughout her life, Serra Hoagland’s father has told her, “When a door opens, don’t be afraid to walk through.” Back in 2011, when Serra had just received her Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara, she traveled to Minnesota to attend the Intertribal Timber Council’s (ITC) annual symposium.…  More 

The Benefits of Forecasting Human-Ignited Wildfires

by Zoё Hoyle, SRS Science Communications  • 
Fires set by people are a real problem for wildland fire managers on all types of land ownerships, including tribal lands. Because they usually occur closer to valued property and resources, human-set fires also tend to be more damaging than fires ignited naturally. Human-ignited wildfires fall into two categories – incendiary, or intentionally set fires,…  More 

Intertribal Timber Council Scholarships Connect Students with Forest Service Scientists

by Patty Matteson, SRS Science Delivery  • 
Climate change, groundwater, and air quality are just a few of the focus areas of the recipients of the Intertribal Timber Council (ITC) Native American Natural Resource Scholarships announced recently. Connecting these students with U.S. Forest Service Southern Research Station (SRS)  scientists is a goal of the continuing ITC-SRS partnership. “These students are encouraged to reach out to…  More 

Tribal Fire Prevention Programs Work

by Zoё Hoyle, SRS Science Delivery  • 
Humans – either intentionally or accidentally — cause more than 55 percent of wildfires on lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Department of Interior. Federal agencies try to prevent wildfire and reduce the high costs associated with it through fire prevention activities that include burn permits, public service programs, outreach efforts, and law…  More 

Tribes and the U.S. Forest Service Strengthen Partnerships

by Sarah Farmer, SRS Science Delivery  • 
Tribal Nations and the U.S. Forest Service recently met at the 14th annual To Bridge a Gap meeting to share scientific research and traditional ecological knowledge, while discussing strategies for managing cultural and natural resources in the National Forests. The meeting was held from March 30 – April 2, and was hosted by the Eastern…  More 

New Partnership With Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Protects Natural and Cultural Resources

by Sarah Farmer, SRS Science Delivery Group  • 
Climate change is upon us, and communities who use wild-harvested native plants for food, medicine, and cultural practices are identifying ways to protect their natural and cultural resources. The need to prepare for further climate change in the future and mitigate its effects on natural resources in the Southern Appalachian region has led to a…  More