American Indian Report - August 2008 - (Page 20)

EN V I R o N M EN T Rancheria Restores Traditional Ecosystem on Purchased Land By Kimberly Hayes By restoring purchased land through traditional ecosystem management, the Susanville Indian Rancheria exemplifies diverse and innovative tribal practices, according to an Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Interior Department report. The rancheria is among 14 tribes recognized in the report, titled Tribal Successes: Protecting the Environment and Natural Resources. The report said that although tribes face common barriers in environmental management, they can be overcome through innovative practices, like collaboration and partnerships, education and outreach and expanding resources. For a look at other tribes that have been The rancheria, located in northeastern California, is comprised featured in this on-going series, click here. of 427 members of the Maidu, Paiute, Pit River and Washoe tribes. In 2003, it purchased a 160-acre ranch that had been a private home/retreat. While under private ownership, cattle had been allowed to eliminate wetland grasses and destroy Clark’s Creek, located on the property. This led to degraded habitats for fish and wildlife resources. With EPA funding, the rancheria established an Environmental Protection Department with a mission to assess, protect and enhance the environment of its lands. Its long-term goal is to return the ranch to pre-settlement conditions. They hope to develop a cultural center and stewardship area to educate the public about the ways Native peoples lived and managed ecosystems and will use the property for traditional gatherings and ceremonies. The first step in its restoration process was to restore and enhance native ecosystems. Using traditional land management techniques, the rancheria’s EPD: • Enlisted the U.S. Forest Service to help evaluate existing forest conditions and evaluated forest management of the property; • Partnered with federal and local environmental groups to build the Indigenous Landscape Enhancement Project, which keeps livestock off property and allows natural vegetation; • Developed an integrated pest management program to reduce noxious weeds; 20 August 2008 American Indian Report http://www.doioig.gov/upload/2007-G-0020.pdf http://www.doioig.gov/upload/2007-G-0020.pdf http://www.falmouthinstitute.com/air/may08/bp.html

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of American Indian Report - August 2008

American Indian Report - August 2008 Contents Notes from Indian Country Congress: Activity from the Hill Navajo Elder Recognized for Fighting for Voting Rights Water Rights — A Long, Hard Battle Well Worth Fighting Native Youth Share Creator’s Game with International Community Rancheria Restores Traditional Ecosystem on Purchased Land Grants: EDA — Investing in Tribal Economic Development Native Eyes Film Showcase Entices Youth into Media BlogRoll

American Indian Report - August 2008

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