Notice of Proposed Code Amendment Chapter 10-2 Tribal Forest Resources Management Code
Posted: April 1, 2024
NOTICE OF CODE AMENDMENT
The following proposed Code was passed for First Reading by Tribal Council on: March 10, 2024
TITLE: 10 – NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ENVIORNMENT
Chapter 10-2 TRIBAL FOREST RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CODE
The Tribal Council has approved the draft language to establish Chapter 10-2 Tribal Forest Resources Code for First Reading; and
CLUSITC Chapter 10-2, In accordance with the foregoing Tribal and Federal authorities and the Tribe’s retention of the full spectrum of sovereign powers, the Tribal Council has the authority, desires to and does hereby establish this Tribal Forest Resources Management Code for the following purpose:
(1) To establish formal Tribal government direction, standards and procedures for management of Tribal trust forest lands;
(2) To strengthen Tribal sovereignty and advance the principles of self governance in carrying out forest management activities; and
(3) To fully exercise Tribal authority in carrying out forest management activities as authorized by Tribal law and provided for in the Indian Trust Asset Reform Act (“ITARA”) (P.L. 114 178), the NIFRMA, the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act (“ISDEA”) (P.L. 93 638) and other applicable Federal
law.
Tribal Council hereby approves the establishment of Chapter 10-2 Tribal Forest Resources Management Code and hereby approves for first reading draft be posting for a twenty-eight (28) day period. Draft language as set out in the attached Exhibit A (deleted text is red and stricken and new text is blue and underlined),
DATE OF THE TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING AT WHICH THE PROPOSED CODE IS EXPECTED TO BE CONSIDERED FOR SECOND READING FINAL PASSAGE:
May 11, 2022
The notice of the proposed amendment/creation of Code/Ordinance shall be published in the Tribal Newsletter and the text will be posted for public comment for twenty-eight (28) days in the Administration Building, Tribal Hall, Outreach Offices, on the Tribes’ website and at Three Rivers Casino (Office of the Gaming Commission). Written comments should be sent to the Tribal Council in care of Jeannie Miller, CTCLUSI, 1245 Fulton Avenue, Coos Bay OR 97420 or email: jmiller@ctclusi.org.
Tribal Members: To view proposed code amendments please login to the Citizen Portal
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
CTCLUSI Announce Leadership Team For New Three Rivers Health Center
Coos Bay, OR, March 18, 2024 – Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians CTCLUSI) are excited to announce the exceptional leaders who will join the journey toward revolutionizing healthcare at Three Rivers Health Center (TRHC) opening late Spring 2024.
This milestone is not just about opening doors to a new facility; it’s about redefining care, connection, and community wellness. John R. Reeves III, CTCLUSI Health Administrator, states “we want to create an environment where the essence is the people, focusing on unconditional acceptance and non-judgment so that each individual can shine as the best version of themselves.” This vision aligns with CTCLUSI’s goal to foster a space of safety and innovation, where patients and staff alike can thrive.
Dr. Pratip K. Nag, MD, PhD, joins as Chief Medical Officer/Chief Medical Information Officer. He brings a holistic vision to healthcare that perfectly aligns with TRHC’s values of treating the body, mind, and spirit. Dr. Nag shares, “what we’re trying to do is address what we know – that while 20% of a human’s life may be determined by medical actions within the clinic, 80% is everything else happening in their lives. Our goal is to reach beyond the clinic walls, supporting the other 80% through a holistic approach that integrates the best of modern medicine with our traditional healing practices.” This approach underscores TRHC’s commitment to providing comprehensive care that honors each individual’s journey.
Dr. Alfredo Velez, MD, joins as Behavioral Health Director. He emphasizes a compassionate approach to mental health, understanding the deep-rooted connections within the community. His vision to create a space where “each individual feels seen, heard, and supported” mirrors TRHC’s mission to offer care that is holistic and deeply empathetic. Dr. Velez shares his enthusiasm for building a new institution from scratch, noting, “it’s a rare opportunity to start something that truly reflects our values and aspirations. We’re creating a place where innovation is the norm and all feel welcome and supported.”
CTCLUSI is inviting passionate individuals to be part of this groundbreaking initiative. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Nag and Dr. Velez, they’re cultivating an environment where innovation and empathy are at the heart of everything they do. They’re looking for individuals who resonate with their vision of a supportive, innovative workplace and are hiring for the following roles at the new Three Rivers Health Center in Coos Bay, OR.
- Advanced Practice Provider – Medical
- Behavioral Health Therapist
- Care Concierge
- Clinic Coordinator
- Front Office Assistant
- Licensed Practice Nurse – Primary Care
- Medical Assistant – Behavioral Health
- Medical Assistant – Primary Care
- Registered Nurse – Medical & Behavioral Health
For more details and to apply, please visit Three Rivers Health Center careers page at: https://threerivers.health/careers.
About Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI):
Headquartered in Coos Bay, Oregon with a five-county service area including Coos, Curry, Lincoln, Douglas and Lane Counties, The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians are one of the 9 Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon. CTCLUSI is comprised of 3 Tribes (4 Bands): 2 bands of Coos Tribes: Hanis Coos, Miluk Coos; Lower Umpqua Tribe (Quuiich); and Siuslaw Tribe. Learn more about CTCLUSI at https://ctclusi.org.
For more information, contact: R.J. Benner Community Information Manager Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians Phone: 541-435-7175 Email: rbenner@ctclusi.org
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Media
Dr. Pratip K. Nag, MD, PhD, joins Three Rivers Health Center as Chief Medical Officer/Chief Medical Information Officer. Dr. Alfredo Velez, MD, joins Three Rivers Health Center as Behavioral Health Director.
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Dr. Pratip K. Nag, MD, PhD, joins Three Rivers Health Center as Chief Medical Officer/Chief Medical Information Officer.
<https://threerivers.health/wp-content/uploads/Nag_Pratip.png>
Dr. Alfredo Velez, MD, joins Three Rivers Health Center as Behavioral Health Director.
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Three Rivers Health Center Logo.
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- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF COOS, LOWER UMPQUA AND SIUSLAWINDIANS SIGN CO-STEWARDSHIP AGREEMENTWITH SIUSLAW NATIONAL FOREST
Joint News Release CTCLUSI and USFS For Immediate Release, February 20, 2024
Contact:
Confederated Tribes R.J. Benner, (541) 435-7175, rbenner@ctclusi.org
US Forest Service Siuslaw Joanie Schmidgall, (541) 259-9804, joan.schmidgall@usda.gov
COOS BAY, OREGON- The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI) and the Siuslaw National Forest are pleased to announce the signing of a Programmatic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Tribal co-stewardship on Siuslaw National Forest lands. This agreement emphasizes the shared goals of the Tribe and the Forest Service regarding the use and management of natural and cultural resources on the forest, while acknowledging the unique management expertise of the Tribe gained though millennia of stewarding these lands. It addresses the need for proactive stewardship to promote the ecological health, diversity, and resiliency of the forest.
“The lands that we now know as the Siuslaw National Forest have been stewarded by Tribal People since time immemorial,” said Brad Kneaper, Tribal Council Chair for the CTCLUSI. “For thousands of years we practiced a holistic approach to stewardship that provided for clean air and water, resilient and diverse forests, robust salmon runs, bountiful deer and elk, and an abundance of the plants that we used for food and medicine. We stewarded a forest that provided for the local human community, and also provided for all of our plant and animal relatives with whom we share these lands. This agreement will allow us to begin returning some of these stewardship practices to the landscape.”
“The MOU provides a framework for the future implementation of activities that would meet both parties’ goals of restoring Siuslaw National Forest lands,” said Siuslaw National Forest Supervisor Rebecca Brooke. “It also establishes an intergovernmental relationship between the Tribe and the Forest that will provide opportunities for increased Tribal involvement in the planning and implementation of sustainable forest stewardship activities.
”The MOU outlines a comprehensive set of forest management goals that include improving and protecting the health and resiliency of forest ecosystems; promoting cultural resources of importance to Tribal people; providing a diversity of habitat for fish and wildlife species; protecting air and water quality; and providing economic opportunities for local communities. The MOU anticipates that these goals will be achieved through the use of traditional stewardship practices such as the use of cultural fire as well as contemporary management practices such as selective harvest and mechanical fuels treatment.
In addition to recognizing the value that people can provide to the forest through active stewardship, the MOU also recognizes the important values that the forest can provide for people. Towards that end, the MOU emphasizes a need to explore market-based solutions for hazardous fuel reduction, promotes the generation of renewable energy using forest biomass, and seeks economic opportunities for local economically depressed areas. The MOU also recognizes the need to sustain the economic vitality of the existing forest products industry, and to provide for the ecologically sustainable use of timber and other commercial forest products while also supporting non-commercial cultural uses. The MOU highlights the commitment of both the Siuslaw National Forest and the Tribe to promoting a holistic, balanced, and sustainable approach to co-stewardship.
“Our goal is to restore an Indigenous approach to stewardship on the Siuslaw National Forest,”
said Colin Beck, the Tribe’s Director of Forest Management. “Indigenous People have always
recognized that humans are a part of this landscape, and that humans play a crucial role in
stewarding for a diverse and resilient landscape that meets the needs of humans as well as all of
the other diverse species that call this place home. By entering into this MOU, the Forest Service
is recognizing the value of this Indigenous approach and recognizing that there is a need to
restore proactive stewardship to the landscape.”
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Headquartered in Coos Bay, Oregon with a five-county service area including Coos, Curry, Lincoln,
Douglas and Lane Counties, The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians are
one of the 9 Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon. CTCLUSI is comprised of 3 Tribes (4 Bands): 2
bands of Coos Tribes: Hanis Coos, Miluk Coos; Lower Umpqua Tribe (Quuiich); and Siuslaw Tribe.
The Siuslaw National Forest encompasses 630,000 acres along Oregon’s coastal region, reaching from
the north Oregon Coast, just south of Tillamook, to the central coast north of Coos Bay. This diverse
and productive forestland is bordered to the east by the Willamette Valley and the west by the Pacific
Ocean.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF COOS, LOWER UMPQUA ANDSIUSLAW ELECT NEW CHIEF
February 14th, 2024 For Immediate Release
COOS BAY, OREGON— Sunday, February 11th, 2024, The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua & Siuslaw Indians elected Doug Barrett as Tribal Chief. Chief Barrett was serving his second term as Tribal Council Position #6 and was previously appointed as Vice-Chair in April 2023. He succeeds Chief Donald “Doc” Slyter and will complete the previously elected term which expires April 2030.
The newly-elected Chief brings dedication, passion and experience to the role. He spent his career in Tribal Government committed to the well-being of Tribal Members, teaching prevention services and guiding families about culture, tradition and history. Chief Barrett is a Siuslaw Tribal Member and 3rd generation Councilman. He is a Canoe Steersman (Skipper) and passionate about Canoe Journey, an annual event that tribes in the Pacific Northwest participate in to celebrate their heritage.
Chief Barrett spoke of his plans: “I will stay focused on our important projects like salmon restoration and protecting the lamprey. From our lands and timber projects to protecting our waters, I will continue the vision Chief Slyter set.” He went on to add: “I will ask the Tribal Members what they would like to see, listen to the suggestions and do what I can to bring culture and tradition forward.”
Brad Kneaper, Chair of the Tribal Council stated: “After a difficult time in which we lost our Chief, who walked on in early November, a Special Election was held to fill the position of Chief. Tribal Council Vice-Chair Doug Barrett was elected and assumed the position as of the certification of the election results. Chief Barrett was sworn in at a special Council Meeting on February 12, 2024, by the Election Board Chairman Michael Brainard. “
Mr. Kneaper added: “I am excited to work with Chief Barrett in his new position as he starts this new journey. Chief Barrett has worked for the Tribe for many years prior to his Council terms and has always had a passion for his work and the Tribal Membership. Congratulations Doug, I know that you will continue to work hard for us all.”
About CTCLUSI:
Headquartered in Coos Bay, Oregon with a five-county service area including Coos, Curry, Lincoln, Douglas and Lane Counties, The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians are
one of the 9 Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon. CTCLUSI is comprised of 3 Tribes (4 Bands): 2
bands of Coos Tribes: Hanis Coos, Miluk Coos; Lower Umpqua Tribe (Quuiich); and Siuslaw Tribe.
For media inquiries, please contact:
R.J. Benner
Community Information Manager
rbenner@ctclusi.org
(541) 435-7175
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
TRIBE DISAPPOINTED WITH WIND ENERGY DECISION CITING FAILURE OF BOEM TO HONOR ITS OBLIGATIONS TO TRIBE AND IMPACTS TO FISHERIES, CULTURAL RESOURCES, AND HERITAGE
February 13, 2024
For Immediate Release
COOS BAY, OREGON – The Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians (“Tribe”) are extremely disappointed in today’s decision by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (“BOEM”) to finalize the Wind Energy Areas for offshore wind development in Oregon. Today’s decision authorizes approximately 195,012 acres for wind energy development, in areas that are within the Tribe’s ancestral territory, contain viewsheds of significant cultural and historic significance to the Tribe, and are important areas for Tribal fishing.
“Despite a federal obligation to consult on a government-to-government, the Tribe learned yesterday of BOEM’s impending decision from officials with the Oregon Governor’s office,” said Tribal Council Chair Brad Kneaper. “BOEM had the courtesy to communicate its decision to the State well ahead of its public release and waited until the eleventh hour to send the Tribe an email about its decision. This illustrates well the failure of BOEM to meet its obligations to consult with the Tribe and to meaningfully consider its concerns. We would have at least expected a phone call from BOEM. We appreciate the Governor and her staff in reaching out to us.”
“BOEM’s press release states that it has ‘engaged’ with the Tribe, but that engagement has amounted to listening to the Tribe’s concerns and ignoring them and providing promises that they may be dealt with at some later stage of the process,” said Chair Kneaper. “BOEM has failed to recognize that wind development has impacted the Tribe and has failed to assure that wind energy development will do good and not harm the Tribe, its members, and the greater coastal community. The Tribe will not stand by while a project is developed that causes it more harm than good – this is simply green colonialism.”
In November 2023, the Tribal Council unanimously passed a resolution expressing its opposition to offshore wind energy development off the Oregon Coast. In multiple communications with BOEM, including comments submitted in November, the Tribe has consistently raised concerns about wind energy development. These comments include a request that important, cultural viewsheds be excluded from the WEAs and that wind development avoid areas critical to resident and migratory species, including important areas for fishing.
The Tribe’s concerns echo the concerns of other local governments, including Lane County and Coos County, which has expressed opposition to wind energy development, and resolutions of regional and national tribal organizations, including the National Congress of American Indians, which has called for a halt to the approval process until BOEM develops a process to consider Tribal impacts.
“The Tribe consistently asked BOEM to exclude important fishing areas from wind energy development. Fishing is an important industry on the Coast that employs tribal members and supports tribal businesses. Fish, including salmon, are also an important cultural and subsistence resource to the Tribe. Any impact on fish from wind development is going to harm our local jobs and the Tribe,” said Chair Kneaper. “We also have serious concerns for the environmental impacts that may occur as a result of this development. We simply don’t know yet how extensive those impacts may be. Today’s decision ignores these concerns.”
“The Tribe has called the Coast our home since Time Immemorial,” said Tribal Chief Doug Barrett. “The unique landscape, places of religious significance, viewsheds and traditional resources of our Ocean, bays, upland dunes, forests, archaeological features, cultural resources, and first foods connect us to our tribal ancestors. Our homelands and oceans have been the foundation of our way of life since time immemorial and remain a cornerstone of our Tribe to this day. As a confederation of coastal tribes deeply dependent on the Ocean and its rich resources, we assert a direct interest in the viewshed extending from our shores, encompassing a distance of at least twelve nautical miles beyond the continental shelf. We believe it is our inherent right to have the ability to see across our viewsheds, as this direct connection is integral to our cultural practices and traditional way of life. This connection empowers us to protect and conserve our cultural resources for the prosperity of our future generations. Our religious beliefs, traditional
practices, fishing, first foods, and relations are interconnected and influenced by all that is encompassed in the broader Ocean. We are and have been stewards of our ocean and our ecosystems forever! BOEM’s decision today ignores the important cultural concerns consistently expressed by the Tribe, including impacts to our culturally significant viewsheds. We don’t want these places marred by development.”
In an October 31, 2023 letter to BOEM, the Tribe called upon BOEM to halt its process to allow for consideration of impacts of wind energy, including consideration of a congressionally mandated National Academy of Science study on wind energy impacts to fisheries on the West Coast.
“BOEM is proceeding without seriously considering or understanding the impacts of wind energy development,” said Chair Kneaper. “The Tribe will explore all options to ensure that its concerns are addressed in this process.”
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
CTCLUSI Announce Opening of New Three Rivers Health Center
Innovative Health Center to Open in Coos Bay, Oregon in Spring 2024.
NEWS PROVIDED BY Rodel Studios February 01, 2024, 23:07 GMT
COOS BAY, OR, USA, February 1, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI) proudly announce the upcoming opening of the Three Rivers Health Center in Spring 2024, located at 150 S Wall Street, Coos Bay, OR 97420. This new healthcare facility represents a significant advancement in the availability of health services for SW Oregon, embodying a model of care that is both innovative and inclusive.
CTCLUSI purchased the old Banner Bank building in Empire in 2022 in hopes of creating a much-needed healthcare facility for the Tribal community and surrounding area. Members of the Tribal Council and staff gathered together at the site on August 8, 2023 for the official groundbreaking ceremony and construction is slated to be completed by the end of March, 2024.
Iliana Montiel, CTCLUSI Council Member and Assistant Director of Health Services, states, “This center has been a long time in the making. There has long been an identified need for extended mental health and primary health services for the area, and I’m just so happy to see that we’re finally getting this center going for our community.”
The new 5,500+ sq. ft. health center is poised to offer a range of healthcare services, integrating traditional and modern practices. Its innovative care model will support body, mind and spirit through medical, behavioral, pharmacy, telehealth and laboratory services, making it a unique and vital resource for the region.
John R. Reeves III, CTCLUSI Health Administrator, states, “The Three Rivers Health Center is not just a medical facility; it is a testament to our commitment to improving the health and well-being of our community. We are integrating traditional knowledge with modern healthcare practices to provide a holistic approach to wellness. This center will be a beacon of hope and health for Coos, Curry and Douglas counties. And it will soon become an anchor as we continue to plan and expand services for our members who reside in Lane and Lincoln counties.”
Visit https://threerivers.health to learn more about Three Rivers Health Center and follow the progress as they work towards opening later this spring.
About Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI):
Headquartered in Coos Bay, Oregon with ancestral lands in a five-county service area including Coos, Curry, Lincoln, Douglas and Lane Counties, The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians are a federally recognized tribe made up of three tribes: 2 bands of Coos Tribes: Hanis Coos (Coos Proper), Miluk Coos; Lower Umpqua Tribe; and Siuslaw Tribe. Their legacy is a mosaic of resilience, community and stewardship, embodying a deep connection to their ancestral lands and waters in coastal Oregon. Learn more about CTCLUSI at https://ctclusi.org.
R.J. Benner, Community Information Manager
Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua & Siuslaw Indians
+1 541-435-7175
rbenner@ctclusi.org
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Pop-up Covid-19 and Flu Vaccination Clinics
Covid-19 and Flu vaccination clinics will be held at Coos Bay Tribal Community Center from 10am-2pm on January 17th, at the Florence Outreach Office from 10am-2pm on January 19th, and at the Eugene Outreach office from 10am-2pm on January 26th.
Clinics are sponsored by CTCLUSI Health Department in partnership with the Southern Coos Hospital & Health Center.
No insurance information needed. No sign-up, first come first serve.
Let’s protect the community from Covid-19 and Flu
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Elders Pension and Tribal Elders’ Supplemental Security Income Program Application Now Required
The CTCLUSI Enrollment Department will now be managing the application process for this Elders benefit. The current funding for each Tribal Elder at age 65 and beyond is $500.00 per month. Tribal Code Chapter 5-10 defines this program in two categories. One way is as an Elders Pension, another way its defined as Supplemental Security Income Program.
Due to the requirements of Tribal Code Chapter 5-10 Tribal Elders Pension and Tribal Elders Supplemental Security Income Program we are sending an application for you to complete and return.
Enrolled members who turn 65 years of age, can begin to receive this benefit the first month following their 65th birthday.
Once you complete your application, your checks will be mailed to the address you provide. There is an option for direct deposit, we ask that you reach out to the Finance Department for this process.
Thank you in advance for your assistance in this new application process. Please let me know if you have any questions.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Important Special Election for Tribal Chief – Now Accepting Statements of Candidacy
Election Day: Sunday, February 11, 2024
Polls Open 12:00pm – 4:00pm at Tribal Hall, Coos Bay
Deadline for Position Statements for any Candidates to be included in the January newsletter is December 15, 2023 by 5:00 p.m.
FINAL DEADLINE FOR ALL SUBMISSIONS IS: JANUARY 12, 2024
Any Position Statement for the Newsletter and to be included in the Ballot Mailing must be submitted by above deadlines.
Ballots will be mailed to every Registered Voter on January 19, 2024.
Forums for Tribal Chief Candidates: Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. (if more than one candidate submits)
In person option will be held at the Community Center in Coos Bay, Oregon. A Zoom link will be provided the day of the event here on the homepage of the CTCLUSI website.
For Election related questions please contact Jeannie Miller, Election Clerk at 541-888-7506 or jmiller@ctclusi.org
Term of Office for Chief: April 12, 2020 – April 14, 2030
Declared Candidates for Tribal Chief
| Candidate Name | Declared Date |
| Doug Barrett | 12-14-23 |
| Ashley Russell | 12-14-23 |
| Beaver Bowen | 12-15-23 |
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
TRIBE APPLAUDS OSU DECISION TO CONTINUE WORKINGTO ADDRESS TRIBAL CONCERNS REGARDING THEFUTURE OF THE ELLIOTT STATE FOREST
November 15, 2023, Coos Bay, Oregon – The Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (“Tribe”) applauds an announcement earlier this week from OSU President Jayathi Murthy recognizing that significant changes must be made to the proposed management direction for the Elliott State Research Forest. OSU’s announcement follows an October 20 letter from the Tribe to OSU that voiced serious concerns regarding the viability and ecological integrity of the proposed management direction for the Elliott.
The Tribe’s letter expressed concern that the proposed management direction would put the majority of the Elliott into no-touch reserves, where a sustainable and ecologically appropriate approach to stewardship would be precluded. Under the current proposal, approximately two-thirds of the Elliott would be designated as reserves where no harvest – not even selective harvest methods such as thinning – would be allowed following an initial treatment. This approach stands in contrast to a Tribal approach, which favors active stewardship to promote an ecologically diverse and resilient landscape.
“OSU’s decision demonstrates that it values its partnerships with the original inhabitants and stewards of these lands. We believe that putting the majority of the Elliott into reserves is misguided,” said Tribal Council Chair Brad Kneaper. “Doing so ignores the fact that these forests have been stewarded by Tribal people since time immemorial. We traditionally used fire, pruning, harvesting, and planting to create a healthy and diverse landscape. As a result of this Tribal stewardship, the forest was not simply a closed-canopy forest. It included open areas such as meadows, and it included young as well as old trees. The forest was healthy, and helped to provide the Tribe with the culturally important species such as deer and elk, salmon and lamprey, berries, and cedar on which our people and our culture thrived.”
While reserves are promoted by some as a way to protect imperiled species that depend on old forests with large trees, the Tribe questions this approach. “Over time, these no-touch reserves will grow into an uninterrupted expanse of dark closed-canopy forest,” said Chair Kneaper. “These overgrown conditions lack diversity. They provide very little in terms of habitat for threatened species. They’re also prone to catastrophic, unnatural wildfire. These forests depend on human stewardship to maintain more open and diverse forest conditions, which benefits plans and animals as well as people.”
The Tribe’s letter also expressed concern over the operational and financial viability of the forest, both of which the Department of State Lands had promised would be cornerstones of any management plan for the Elliott. “The current proposal for the Elliott simply isn’t operationally or financially viable,” said Colin Beck, Director of Forest Management for the Tribe. “Lots of little compromises were made during the process of developing the current management direction for the Elliott. In the aggregate, those compromises would put us in a box where we have very little room to actually implement management projects.
In addition, anticipated management and research costs fall well short of projected revenues. This is one of the most productive forests in the world. It once generated millions of dollars annually for the Common School Fund. Management of the Elliott should serve as a model for other forests to follow, demonstrating that we can manage forests in a holistic and balanced way that also provides a level of economic output. An Elliott State Research Forest that can’t even break even would be seen as a failure, and it certainly wouldn’t be a model that others would want to emulate.”
OSU’s decision to delay final action on the Elliott and continue to work with the Tribe and stakeholder groups to address these concerns is a positive step in the right direction, and will prevent further damage to our Eco System. Unfortunately, a November 14 letter from DSL Director Vicki Walker sent in response to OSU’s decision reaffirms DSL’s commitment to moving forward with the current Research Proposal, Forest Management Plan and Habitat Conservation Plan.
The Tribe hopes that DSL will reevaluate this position and will continue to work with the Tribe rather than move forward against the opposition of the Tribe. “Our people have been here and have managed the Elliott since time immemorial. We have thousands of years of experience managing what we now call the Elliott,” said Chair Kneaper. “We hope that DSL will join OSU in recognize the value of this Indigenous Knowledge, and recommit to working with the Tribe to reach a solution that better meets the needs of wildlife, the Tribe, and the community as a whole.”
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News