GEORGIA—The Jena Band of Choctaw Indians are working with Kisatchie National Forest to restore patches of rivercane, a culturally and ecologically significant plant species.

A tribal traditionalist instructed a team of workers in harvesting and transplanting the rivercane. The team, which included youth conservation workers from American Youthworks, harvested 100 plants. The plants were removed, wrapped in burlap, then soaked in a nearby creek before being re-planted.

“We are grateful and thrilled to partner with the Forest Service and other tribes to help restore rivercane to its original range,” said Rose Greer, traditionalist with the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians. “By restoring patches on tribal lands, we will be providing access for future generations.”

Rivercane (Arundinaria gigantea) is an ecologically and culturally important plant species which has seen a 98% decline in its original habitat during the last century. It is also the only genus of bamboo native to North America.

Rivercane is important to traditional arts, technology and cultural identity for many of the tribes and tribal communities in the Southeast. It provides fuel and food and is used in basketry, tools, weapons and utilitarian items, such as mats and instruments, as well as in ceremonies. It is a source of livelihoods and traditional knowledge. Rivercane also has ecological benefits for watersheds, soils and wildlife. It is particularly important for bird nesting habitat.

The national forest is working with the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians and others as it works to better manage rivercane. They have identified where rivercane is growing now and where it could be established, as well as how to ensure its long-term ecological resilience and achieve restoration goals.

This effort grew out of a new agreement between the national forest and the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians, who expressed a desire to have better access to rivercane.