Background:
The BLM started an Eco-regional Ethnographic Assessment (EEA) Pilot project in 2012, covering 2 eco-regions.
The BLM would like to expand the project to cover most of the eco-regions in Montana.
The Geographic Information System (GIS) database generated will be incorporated
the information from this EEA will be implemented into this existing system.
Appropriate GIS data will be given to the BLM for use in planning, restoration, recovery of habitats for plant and animal species and possibly interpretation.
Climate Change and Sage Grouse will be topics of interest to both Federal Agencies and Members of the public.
2. Objectives:
Initiate a process to identify, document, evaluate, and map places of traditional religious or cultural significance.
Identify culturally important plant and animal species and their associated ecosystems, that are critical for the maintenance of culture and traditions.
Delineate appropriate conservation elements; and assess the potential effects of identified change agents upon identified conservation elements.
3. Public Benefit:
Improved management, preservation, and protection of cultural and natural resources on the landscape for the benefit of the general public.
The ethnographic information on plants and climate change provide an important insight to determine what is happening on the landscape combined with scientific information.
This evidence provides a more holistic glimpse into the effects of climate change.