I preface my words today by giving insight to native views on natural processes within the environment and how that can translate to intensive forestry research.

From a Native perspective, cultural and traditional values are a reflection of tribal visions that permit most aspects of natural resource management. Part of this reflection has to be filtered when we discuss the fundamental notion of intensive forestry; we use words like sustainability, future generations and spirit. I am by no means stating that these concepts cannot coexist. There needs to be differentiation and cognition of two cultures. Once that happens, we can understand and move forward.

Needs Within Indian Forestry:
1. Fire Effects on Eastside Ecosystems
Within Indian Country, fire has been a tool used for many years, however, we, as with the rest of the West, have struggled incorporating its use into management.

Research is needed not only from a landscape level assessment of environmental interactions of fire, but also include tribal or social values (culture). The concept of Traditional Environmental Knowledge (TEK) is an indigenous concept that needs to be incorporated within intensive resource management. TEK is the involvement of tribal input, both cultural and traditional, not only in exploring research opportunities but also research techniques.

2. Growth and Yield Modeling
It is probably predictable; there are as many growth models as there are Indian tribes. I can almost guarantee you that each tribe uses a different one. However, one concept is pretty much omnipresent: the lack of social input as variables in modeling formulas. Let me explain.

From strictly a G & Y perspective, most can model, and fairly accurately I might add, the variations in association with resource management. However, tribes have run into trouble trying to incorporate social or intrinsic values in G & Y models. Tribes approach resource applications a bit differently; the tribes have forest reserves that must sustain generations and that is all they have. Many tribal ideas and concepts are incorporated into resource management but they are incredibly difficult to incorporate into models.

3. Non-timber Forest Products (NTFP)
Interest in NTFPs are rapidly on the rise throughout Indian Country.

Forest Certification.
Some tribes have ventured into certification while others have approached with increasing skepticism. Tribes feel that they can continue on a sustainable harvest level and be certified but is it worth it?

Carbon Sequestration.
As tribes look to supplement economic revenue, carbon sequestration is looked at as a possible source. A few tribes have entered agreements with corporations, while others are still hesitant about committal. Indian Forestry needs to conduct research that takes a look at contemporary management and weigh those against carbon crediting and the potential environmental advantages and disadvantages. Can harvest levels continue and also accrue enough carbon to satisfy industry. What might those levels (harvest, sequestration) look like on eastside and Westside systems?
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[Updated: March 13, 2002]