We Believe in a Hands-On Approach to Land Management – Not Maintaining a Wilderness

Native Americans have a long history of managing the land and its resources. Many Native American cultures view the land as a sacred and interconnected system that must be cared for and protected. This perspective has led to the development of a wide range of land management practices that prioritize conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

The idea that Native Americans do not believe in the “wild” or “wilderness” is a common misconception. While it is true that many Native American cultures have a deep connection to the land and view it as a sacred and interconnected system, this does not mean that they do not recognize the existence of wilderness areas.

The Yurok people of California have a long tradition of sustainable land management. They have developed a system of fish traps that allows them to harvest salmon without depleting the population. Source: Tending the Wild: Native American Knowledge and the Management of California’s Natural Resources by M Kat Anderson

What We Have Learned from Our Ancient Relatives

Cahokia is a pre-Columbian Native American city located in what is now southwestern Illinois. At its height in the 11th and 12th centuries, Cahokia was one of the largest cities in the world, with a population of tens of thousands of people. One of the remarkable features of Cahokia is its system of land management, which has been described as a “prehistoric urban park.”

The Cahokia built mounds, drained wetlands, and planted crops in carefully planned fields. These practices helped to create a thriving society that lasted for centuries. Source: “Cahokia: Mounds of the Mississippians” by Timothy Pauketat

Archaeological evidence suggests that Cahokia’s inhabitants practiced a wide range of land management techniques, including controlled burns, forest clearings, and soil conservation measures. These practices helped to maintain the health and productivity of the land, ensuring a steady supply of food and other resources for the city’s inhabitants.

Routine and Seasonal Hands-on Management to Prevent Wildfires

Proper forest management involves a hands-on approach to prevent wildfires. This approach includes implementing strategies such as controlled burns, clearing away dead vegetation and debris, and maintaining firebreaks. By actively managing forests, we can reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires by promoting healthier ecosystems and reducing fuel loads. Regular monitoring, early detection, and prompt response to any potential fire hazards are essential. Through proactive management, we can mitigate the devastating effects of wildfires and protect our forests and communities.

Traditional Native American land management practices include controlled burns, which were used to clear underbrush and promote new growth, and the use of natural materials for building and clothing, which helped to minimize the impact of resource use on the environment. In addition, many Native American communities developed systems of land tenure that prioritized communal ownership and use of resources over individual ownership.

The Menominee Nation in Wisconsin, have a long history of sustainable forestry. They have developed a system of forest management that allows them to harvest timber without harming the forest ecosystem. This system has been so successful that the Menominee Nation is now recognized as a leader in sustainable forestry. Source: “Menominee Forest Management” by the Menominee Nation

A Renewed Call for Active Management and Land Ownership Planning

Today, many tribal nations continue to be actively involved in land management and conservation efforts. Tribal governments are often responsible for managing large areas of land, and many have developed innovative approaches to natural resource management that prioritize sustainability and the protection of natural ecosystems.

Active forest management plays a crucial role in strengthening forests and mitigating environmental challenges. According to the USDA, achieving this goal involves various approaches such as prescribed burning, timber harvesting, and vegetation thinning. By actively managing forests, we can promote sustainable timber production, enhance forest health, reduce the risk of wildfires, and restore wildlife habitats.

The history of Native American land management reflects a deep respect for the interconnectedness of all things and a commitment to ensuring that the land and its resources are preserved for future generations. – Ownership, not Stewardship.