The saint regis mohawk reservation, akwesasne, is located in northern new york state

Federal Cooperative Agreement Award Summary

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe received a $306,270 Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025) for the period of June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026. The award supports integrated pest management (IPM) efforts to mitigate the impact of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) on ash tree populations in the Akwesasne reservation located in northern New York, which are culturally significant for traditional Mohawk basketry practices. The tribe will implement Slow Ash Mortality (SLAM) methods encompassing silvicultural treatments, pesticide application, biological control strategies, and ash utilization activities, while simultaneously building tribal capacity for invasive insect species management.

Deliverables include comprehensive community outreach and education regarding EAB and invasive species impacts on cultural practices, natural resources, and agriculture; development and distribution of downloadable online outreach materials and community event resources; publication of at least one article in the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe community newsletter; and media engagement regarding project activities and findings. These activities aim to protect remaining ash resources while preparing for future ash tree recovery in an environment where EAB impacts are limited, thereby supporting the continuation of traditional basketry practices within the community.

Activities

Srmt will adapt an integrated pest management approach to manage EAB based on the life-cycle and disruption of the insect, while also improving the capacity of the tribe to manage invasive insect species in the future. Slow ASH mortality (SLAM) methods include silvicultural treatments, pesticide application, biological control, and ASH utilization (e.g. firewood, timber, basketry.) improved knowledge base for overall pest management and integrated pest management. Outreach and education: srmt plans to provide outreach about EAB and invasive species to the community, which may include cultural and economic impacts; consequences to natural resources, landscapes, and agriculture; prevention/ safeguarding; and/or pest response. Interviews: srmt will respond to media inquiries regarding this project and any interest IT may generate. Outreach materials: srmt will publish downloadable online outreach material and distribute during community events. Publications: srmt will publish 1 article related to EAB and the response in the srmt community newsletter. Deliverables and expected outcomes: the EAB mitigation efforts included in this project have several potential benefits that contribute to an overall return on investment. They include: cost avoidance. EAB mitigation can prevent or reduce the cost associated with extensive, wide-spread ASH mortality and subsequent tree removal. Additionally, the proactive removal of some unfortunately located ASH trees can minimize costs related to removal and potential damage to infrastructure. Preserving ecosystem services. Preventing the loss of trees is beneficial since trees provide many ecosystem functions, including air and water purification, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, and runoff prevention. Economic benefits. Since ASH trees have intrinsic, economic value for their use as splints and timber, there are economic benefits to EAB mitigation. Social benefits. There are social benefits related to the services that trees provide to people, including a reduction of urban temperatures, creating more breathable air, creating greenspace, and adding aesthetic values. Cultural preservation. Perhaps most important to the community of akwesasne, the cultural preservation aspect of EAB mitigation will encourage the continued practice of traditional black ASH basketry. Capacity building. The experience gained in implementing a response to EAB will better equip srmt to respond to a future pest disaster, and will better enable a knowledge transfer to other tribes facing similar EAB threats. Intended beneficiary(IES): the saint regis mohawk tribe, US residents of northern NY, the USDA and US government through strengthened bond between the parties. Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: