A team of 40 experts has outlined a new approach to forest stewardship in the United States that integrates Indigenous knowledge and Western science to conserve and restore resilient forestlands. This report, published on March 25, aims to provide guidance for USDA Forest Service land managers in implementing climate-smart adaptive management practices. The authors stress the urgent need for action as national forests face increasing stress from severe droughts, wildfires, invasive species, and large insect outbreaks, all exacerbated by climate change.
There are 154 national forests in the United States, covering nearly 300,000 square miles of diverse ecosystems that support a wide range of plant and animal species, human communities, and cultural significance. Forests have the potential to serve as a bulwark against climate change, but they are currently under threat due to various stressors. The report emphasizes the importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge with Western science to develop strategies that ensure the resilience of forests in the face of climate change.
Indigenous knowledge plays a crucial role in forest stewardship, as evidenced by time-tested practices such as intentional burning, which promoted healthy understory growth and biodiversity. The report highlights the importance of recognizing and incorporating Indigenous practices that shaped forests to be more resilient and ecologically diverse. By incorporating Indigenous knowledge, forest management practices can be enhanced to address the challenges posed by climate change and promote the health and longevity of forest ecosystems.
The executive order signed by President Joe Biden in April 2022 emphasized the protection of old and mature forests and the strengthening of relationships with tribal governments. The report stems from this directive, reflecting the need to integrate Indigenous knowledge and Western science in forest management. By embracing principles of reciprocity and the seven generations principle, the authors of the report suggest a more sustainable land ethic that involves stewarding the land with future generations in mind.
The report’s co-authors come from a diverse range of institutions, including tribal nations, universities, research stations, and organizations in the United States and Canada. Their collective expertise and cultural backgrounds have shaped the report’s recommendations for a paradigm shift in forest stewardship practices. By moving towards a more holistic and inclusive approach that combines Indigenous knowledge and Western science, forest managers can better address the challenges presented by climate change and promote the resilience of forest ecosystems.
The report is intended to inform Forest Service work on the proposed national forest land plan amendment, particularly related to stewarding and conserving old-growth forest conditions. By incorporating Indigenous knowledge into forest management practices, land managers can improve their understanding of how to conserve and protect all types of forest conditions, including old growth. This collaborative approach has the potential to guide a fundamental change in the worldview guiding current forest stewardship practices, fostering a more sustainable and resilient future for forest ecosystems in the face of climate change.
