FT 4
Tribal Land and Resource Management in the Sacramento Valley-Delta: Fire and Culture

Saturday, August 9, 2014: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
J Street Entrance, Sacramento Convention Center
Organizer:
Frank K. Lake, U.S. Forest Service
Co-organizer:
Don Hankins, Cal State University-Chico
This field trip will discuss land management of valued natural and cultural resources. California tribal cultures historically utilized fire to achieve various resource objectives. These similar objectives are desired today by contemporary tribes dependent on fire to promote habitat conditions which foster valued resources. Research that incorporates tribal traditional ecological knowledge is critical to evaluate fire effects and achievement of desired ecological conditions. Different ecological sampling techniques and fire effects monitoring methods are employed to determine attainment of objectives. Participants will tour research plots at the Stone Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Cosumnes River Preserve in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to evaluate changes in cultural use quality for the tribally valued habitats and basketry and food resources. Many of these habitats and resources are critically important to threatened or endangered wildlife.

Participants will be able to hike (moderate level) trails and view wildlife. The trails go through wetlands, riparian forest, grasslands, and lead to the Cosumnes River. Along the trails participants will learn of which plant and animal species are culturally important to local tribes, the tribal uses and management of these species, and how fire affects the habitat and life histories of these species.

After the touring the Preserve, participants will tour the California State Indian Museum. There participants will be able to see the exhibits depicting resources important to California tribal cultures. Field trip leaders will explain the importance of fire management and tribal traditional knowledge pertaining to the material culture and livelihoods of California tribes.

Registration Fee: $57

Equipment and Attire: Participants should plan on bringing, sturdy shoes or boots, sun screen, hat, bug repellent, camera, binoculars, personal drinks, back pack, and other personal items for outdoor walking in the summer sun.

Itinerary: 9am Leave Sacramento drive to the Stone Lake National Wildlfire Refuge, arrive 9:30am (1624 Hood Franklin Road at the Refuge headquarters) Tour Stone Lakes NWR from 9:30am-11am. 11am Leave Stone Lakes NWR and drive to Cosumnes River Preserve (13501 FRANKLIN BLVD.Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor’s Center (11:30am to 3pm tour research plots). 3pm Leave Cosumnes River Preserve and travel north on Interstate 5 back to Sacramento to the to State Indian Museum-California Indian Heritage Center (2618 K ST)Tour museum exhibits from 3:30pm to 4:30pm 4:45pm Leave State Indian Museum and drive 1.0 mile to Convention Center returning at 5pm.

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