Smoke signals., August 15, 1996, Image 1

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15, 1996
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Natural Resources develops long-term management plan
By Tracy Dugan
The Natural Resources Division (NRD) of the Tribe
recently completed its Management Plan which will
be used as a directive for the division through the
year 2000. The plan details how the Tribe will manage the
reservation timber, fish and wildlife, and recreational
areas for its benefit, while protecting our natural and cul
tural resources, and threatened and endangered species.
The plan analyzes the timber market and makes projec
tions for the near future, discusses harvesting techniques,
and the process by which the Tribe has inventoried the tim
ber on the reservation.
When harvesting, the Tribe generally practices regen
eration, a method followed by burning the clear-cut area,
and planting of Douglas-fir and other conifers.' - Planting is
the primary method of reforestation on the reservation.
Artificial seeding and natural reforestation are not asiffec
tive or as rapid as planting. It allows for better control of
spacing as well as immediate reforestation after logging.
The plantations are monitored and surveyed every year af
ter planting. The objective of reforestation is to have at
least 250 well distributed, desirable crop trees per acre grow
ing above the brush after five years.
There are many roads on the reservation leading to dif
ferent hunting and fishing areas, as well as the logging sites.
The Natural Resources Management Plan calls for road
maintenance, as well as construction of new roads. Cur
rently, there are more than 74 miles of forest road within
the boundaries of the reservation.
Although most of the road construction is done by pri
vate contractors as part of timber sale contracts, Natural
Resources is responsible for the design of the roads and
ensuring they are constructed properly.
The Division is very committed to protecting the natural
resources on tribal lands. Every year NRD prepares a fire
plan for the reservation. It includes a list of people and
equipment available to fight a fire, should one occur. Al
though fire is the most significant threat to the Tribe's for
est lands, NRD carefully monitors the reservation for dis
eases, insect infestation, and damage done by animals. The
Douglas-fir bark beetle can cause damage to the trees, and
black bear who live on the reservation can strip the bark on
the trees in order to eat the cambium the sweet inner bark.
Of all the types of plant diseases, root rot is the most
prevalent on the reservation. This can be controlled by ro
tating red alder or western red cedar in the planting cycle,
as the disease does not affect these species. Damage can
be caused by Mother Nature, such as ice and wind storms.
Along with enhancing the timber population, Natural Re
sources is also responsible for managing the fish and wild
life populations on tribal lands. Big game species include
black-tailed deer and Roosevelt elk. Forest management
activities will enhance habitat for these species. Small game
includes ruffed grouse and quail.
Non-game species that are known to reside on the reser
vation are the spotted owl, the pileated woodpecker, and
beaver. The spotted owl is listed as a threatened or endan
gered species. A run of winter steelhead occurs on the main
stem of Agency Creek; af extertds up bo jforb
dent population of curth
reservation's perennial streams, and rainbow troufjarij!
planted by the Department of Fish and Wildlife every year.
The Grand Ronde reservation belongs to all of us. The
Natural Resources Division developed its Management Plan
to ensure successful timber harvesting as well as effective
use and maintenance of the lands in order to preserve the
scenic beauty and abundant wildlife for future generations.
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