Prairies and Wetlands of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington: Their Native American Uses and Management.

Their Native American Uses and Management

This talk will provide conservationists and other technical specialists with a broad knowledge of the past cultural importance of prairies and wetlands to Native American tribes on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. The talk addresses the many indigenous uses of these lands for hunting wildlife, gathering plants, playing sports, smoking foods, and human settlement. Part of the talk is devoted to how Native Americans played a major role in conservation of these landscapes by using fire to prevent brush and tree encroachment, encouraging the growth of herbaceous plants important for foods, medicines, and basketry, and promoting forage plants attractive to game animals. Investigation of charcoal layers, sediment cores, and soil characteristics help scientists reconstruct former human influence in these openings. By examining the many indigenous uses and management practices on these lands, tribal and non-Indian landowners, in collaboration with NRCS field staff can incorporate this ancient body of knowledge and practice in restoring and maintaining prairies and wetlands today.