We propose to develop a collaborative modeling effort that incorporates both indigenous knowledge and western science to inform where cultural fire and invasive species management should be…

This $271,947.67 Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service under the Coastal Program (CFDA 15.630) funds a collaborative project to develop GIS-based models for guiding cultural burning and invasive species management in the Straits of Mackinac region. The project team comprising Michigan State University, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, and the University of Minnesota will: 1) compile data on invasive species infestations, 2) reconstruct fire histories at culturally significant sites using tree-ring analysis, and 3) collectively develop the modeling framework to identify priority areas for cultural burning and invasive species control on public lands. The goal is to increase ecosystem integrity, native biodiversity, and opportunities for cultural expression of the Indigenous community. The project will run from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026. Key sub-awardees include the University of Minnesota to conduct fire history research and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians to provide Indigenous knowledge and community engagement.

We propose to develop a collaborative modeling effort that incorporates both indigenous knowledge and western science to inform where cultural fire and invasive species management should be prioritized in the straits of mackinac. To achieve this goal michigan natural features inventory mnfi is partnering with the little traverse BAY bands of odawa indians natural resources department ltbb and fire ecology researchers from the university of minnesota. Through this project we propose the following 1. Ltbb will begin collating knowledge about factors that determine priority for cultural burning and invasive species control. 2. Mnfi will compile data on invasive species infestations and generate spatial databases to facilitate identification of sites for reconstructing fire histories and modeling on public lands. 3. University of minnesota researchers will collaborate with tribal natural resource department personnel to reconstruct fire histories of several culturally significant sites using tree ring analysis to help inform the modeling effort. 4. Collectively project partners will work to construct the modeling framework identify input variables and model weighting schemes and share model outputs. The ultimate goal of the collaboration will be to generate models that identify the most ecologically and culturally important places for implementing cultural burning and invasive species control on public lands in the straits of mackinac. Through this project we will 1. Increase the integrity of native ecosystems 2. Improve habitat for native biodiversity and 3. Increase opportunities for cultural expression of indigenous communities. The development of these tools will provide a foundation for future restoration actions and help resource managers conservation practitioners and communities carry out habitat conservation actions in the straits while promoting climate resilience cross organizational discussion and conservation planning and reconnection of people to the land.