ENV 696b () / 2023-2024

YFF:Tribal Forestry: Understanding Current Issues & Challenges in Contemporary & Traditional Management of Forested Landscapes

Credits: 1.5 Spring 2024: Th, 12:00-1:50, Marsh Classroom

Seminar Series. Tribes and First Nations on the land that is currently called North America have been forest stewards since time immemorial. Tribal forestry practices are diverse and place-based and today may incorporate western science and forest operations into their management along with traditional knowledge and use. In the face of climate change, tribes and First Nations continue to work with institutions, NGOs, and federal and state agencies to support indigenous sovereignty and resilient forested landscapes. In collaboration with the Salish Kootenai College in Montana, this seminar will focus on the current state of tribal forest management and indigenous stewardship with a series of speakers from different tribes, universities, non-profits, and agencies. Beginning with an introduction to tribal forestry and the trust responsibilities, topics will include the history of forest stewardship on tribal lands in North America, federal laws and tribal forestry, contemporary uses of plants and wildlife stewardship, fire, conclusions from the Indian Forest Management Assessment (IFMAT), tribal co-management, and the future of tribal forestry in the face of climate change.