Working across Cultures to Protect Native American Natural and Cultural Resources from Invasive Species in California

Invasive species know no boundaries; they spread regardless of ownership, and actions by neighboring landowners can influence local and regional populations and impacts. Native Americans and mainstream Western society (representing the prevalent attitudes, values, and practices of US society) both depend on forests for food, fiber, and emotional well-being, but in different ways. We surveyed Native American and nontribal environmental leaders in California to gauge differences in importance, impacts, and control strategies for invasive species and management of forest health. There were differences between Native American and nontribal responses in the pests of highest concern and in the understanding and perceived application of integrated pest management (IPM) techniques. Native American respondents prioritized established weed species, whereas nontribal participants highlighted recently introduced, quarantine pests or insects and pathogens with limited distribution but potentially high impact. These differences may stem from divergence in both cultural values and interpretations of terminology. Forest management based on traditional ecological knowledge has fundamental similarities to programs following IPM; increasing agency and Native American awareness of these connections can capitalize on areas of agreement, thereby assisting Native Americans, tribes, and agencies.