Indigenous knowledge reveals 3,000-year history of fire-prone forest in California
Indigenous oral accounts have helped scientists to reconstruct a 3,000-year history of a large fire-prone forest in California. The results suggest that parts of the forest are denser than ever before, and are at risk of severe wildfires. The research is part of a growing effort to combine Indigenous knowledge with other scientific data to improve understanding of ecosystem histories.
Knight says that it was important to collaborate with the tribes given their knowledge of the region. The Karuk Resources Advisory Board approved a proposal for the study before it began. “In a way, it’s decolonizing the existing academic model that hasn’t been very inclusive of Indigenous histories,” says Lake.
Combining multiple lines of evidence, Knight and her team show that the tree density in this region of Klamath Mountains started to increase as the area was colonized, partly because the European settlers prevented Indigenous peoples from practising cultural burning. In the twentieth century, total fire suppression became a standard management practice, and fires of any kind were extinguished or prevented — although controlled burns are currently used in forest management.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Primary sends mixed signals in heavily Democratic CaliforniaCalifornia is a Democratic fortress, but Tuesday’s primary election may have revealed some cracks
Read more »
Primary sends mixed signals in heavily Democratic CaliforniaCalifornia is a Democratic fortress, but Tuesday’s primary election may have revealed some cracks.
Read more »
Pierce County deputy on the run since being charged with felony arrested in CaliforniaA Pierce County sheriff’s deputy charged with a felony in May for trashing his family home was arrested last week in California and fired by the department Wednesday.
Read more »
Identity of Navy fighter pilot who died in crash revealedThe identity of the fighter pilot who died Friday after his jet crashed into California's Mojave Desert, was revealed by the Navy on Sunday, after his next of kin had been notified.
Read more »
Five Films to Watch at Cine Las AmericasOscar contenders, Austin stories, and global tales from the Latinx, Portuguese, and Indigenous communities come to cinelasamericas.
Read more »
7 Labels to Know at This Year’s Indigenous Fashion Arts FestivalFrom upcycled streetwear to evening wear, these contemporary labels prove that Indigenous design is truly multifaceted.
Read more »