MSU Museum hosts experts on forest management techniques – The State News
MSU Museum hosts experts on forest management techniques The State News
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MSU Museum hosts experts on forest management techniques
An MSU Museum event, called “Forest and Fire Management with Western and Indigenous Practice,” brought in three experts with unique perspectives to discuss a method of forest management and its cultural significance for Indigenous communities.
Prescribed Fires for Forest Management
The method discussed during the event is known as “prescribed fires,” wherein a section of a forest is intentionally burned in order to improve its ecosystem.
Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest
The program, held on Saturday afternoon, was the national premier of the traveling Smithsonian exhibit Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest. The exhibit focuses on the biodiversity and global importance of our northern-most forests through first-person stories.
History of Chippewa National Forest and Indigenous Practices
The event featured a presentation on the history of the Chippewa National Forest in northern Minnesota, the U.S. Forest Service, and the displacement of Ojibwe people through the Dawes Act and subsequent acts that violated previous treaties between Native American tribes and the U.S. government. The presentation also discussed current research efforts occurring in the Chippewa National Forest that blend Indigenous and western practices.
Expert Perspectives
- Amy Burnette, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
- Kurt Kipfmueller, Associate Professor of Geography, Environment, and Society at the University of Minnesota
- Sean Dunham, representative of the U.S. National Forest
Reviving Indigenous Fire Practices
Amy Burnette shared her experience growing up in the 70s when prescribed fires were used to control the tick population in her community. However, the practice was used far less frequently compared to the era prior to colonization. Burnette attributed this decline to the cultural trauma experienced by Native American youth who were put in boarding schools by the U.S. government, resulting in a disconnection from their cultural practices and heritage.
Research on Fire Use by Ojibwe People
Kurt Kipfmueller has been working to document the tradition of fire use by Ojibwe people through dendrochronology, the scientific method of observing tree rings. By studying fire-scarred wood in the Chippewa National Forest, Kipfmueller has uncovered a historical record of frequent fires during a specific period. This research confirms that the fires were not caused by drought but were intentionally set by Indigenous communities.
Changing Perceptions of Fire
Sean Dunham highlighted the negative association many Americans have with wildfires and emphasized the distinction between “fires of chance” and “fires of choice.” He mentioned that the U.S. Forest Service is working to shift public perception and promote the use of controlled fires for forest management.
Restoring Cultural Practices and Ecosystems
For Amy Burnette, restoring the use of fire in her community is not only about forest management but also about preserving their way of life and passing on cultural practices to future generations.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 15: Life on Land
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The article discusses forest management practices and the cultural significance of prescribed fires for Indigenous communities. This connects to SDG 15, which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, including forests. The article also mentions the displacement of Native American tribes through acts that violated previous treaties, highlighting the need for peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16). Additionally, the collaboration between Indigenous communities, researchers, and government agencies demonstrates the importance of partnerships for achieving sustainable development goals (SDG 17).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
- Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.
- Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
The article highlights the importance of conserving and restoring forest ecosystems through prescribed fires (Target 15.1). It also emphasizes the need for inclusive decision-making processes that involve Indigenous communities in forest management (Target 16.7). Lastly, the collaboration between different stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, researchers, and government agencies, exemplifies the promotion of effective partnerships (Target 17.17).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.
- Indicator 16.7.1: Proportions of positions (by sex, age, persons with disabilities, and population groups) in public institutions (national and local legislatures, public service, and judiciary) compared to national distributions.
- Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships.
The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. Indicator 15.1.1 measures the extent of forest area as a proportion of total land area, indicating the conservation and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems. Indicator 16.7.1 assesses the representation of different population groups in public institutions, reflecting inclusive decision-making processes. Indicator 17.17.1 tracks the financial commitments made to public-private and civil society partnerships, indicating the level of support for collaborative efforts.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. | Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels. | Indicator 16.7.1: Proportions of positions (by sex, age, persons with disabilities, and population groups) in public institutions (national and local legislatures, public service, and judiciary) compared to national distributions. |
| Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships. | Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: statenews.com
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