WISCONSIN—The USDA Forest Service Eastern Region has published a new story map to showcase the collaborative work done to protect tribal and Forest Service-administered lands across the region.

The Tribal Forest Protection Act allows federally recognized tribes to submit projects to be completed on federal land that will reduce the threat of wildfire, pests, or disease to adjacent Indian lands.

The story map spotlights 17 projects in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Through this interactive tool, users can explore a visual and informational display of the projects and see photos that further tell the story of this important work.

Kira Kaufmann, tribal relations specialist for the Eastern Region’s Eastern Planning Service Group, who was one of the key players in getting the story map off the ground, stated, "We as an agency moved the needle with genuine engagement between our forests and our region by consulting with tribes, being transparent, and providing opportunities for tribes to tell their stories in their words."

The projects detailed in the story map protect or help important cultural species, enhance climate resilience, reflect native plant communities supportive of wildlife, and demonstrate the effectiveness of cultural use of fire to prevent future wildfires.

Other projects improve water quality and ecosystem health by addressing issues like erosion and invasive species preserves and utilize tribal traditional practices, knowledge, and connections to the environment. The map also details projects that improve wild rice (Minoomin in Ojibwemowin) restoration and harvesting to support tribal food sovereignty.

The hope is that tribes will use this story map to develop ideas for future projects while also sharing their skills and experience in land management. For more information and to view current projects visit Tribal Forest Protection Act Projects in the Lake States.