Learning from the Ojibwe

Combining Culture and Dendrochronology Tools
Cross-section of a tree showing its rings. Arrows point to specific rings showing the years of 1843, 1808, 1801, and 1790.
Dendrochronology from Star Island indicates a fire history pattern that coincides with cultural knowledge from present-day Ojibwe tribal members. Photo by Kurt Kipfmueller.

Chippewa National Forest staff are working with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, the Leech Lake Tribal College, and the University of Minnesota to research and understand the historic use of fire in regional land management. By analyzing tree rings from a culturally significant island and sharing related knowledge, the partnership is deepening their understanding of the land, strengthening relationships, and laying the groundwork for further collaboration. Using this knowledge to inform present day land management may help ensure the region’s mixed pine woodlands are resilient into the future.

Read the full article (PDF) in The Cross-Pollinator, a science synthesis publication produced quarterly in cooperation between the Northern Research Station, the Urban Field Station Network, State and Private Forestry, and the Urban Forest Technology and Science Delivery Team.

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