Since our founding in 1986, few topics have commanded our attention more frequently than tribal forestry. Most Americans know very little about forestry in Indian Country. We didn't either until we started our investigation in 1994. Since then, we have been both admirers and strong supporters of the manner in which our nation's Indian tribes manage their forests and rangelands.

We have twice published special issues of Evergreen Magazine: "Forestry in Indian Country - Progress and Promise" was published in June 1998 (click here) and "Forestry in Indian Country - Models of Sustainability for our National Forests" was published in the winter of 2005-2006 (click here)

Evergreen Foundation managing director, Jim Petersen, has also twice spoken publicly in support of Indian forestry: "Is it Time to Give our Federal Forests Back to the Indians," in June of 2007 (click here) and "Gifford Pinchot is Rolling Over in His Grave," in March 2008 (click here)

Now, two tribal forestry experts - Jim Erickson and Gary Morishima - have weighed in on the same topic. Mr. Erickson was associated with the Colville reservation's tribal forestry program for 25 years and served as its director for several years before starting his own consulting business. Gary Morishima has been a technical advisor to the Quinault Nation for more than 30 years. He holds a PhD in Quantitative Science and Environmental Management and is a expert in computer simulation modeling. Click here to read their fine essay on tribal forestry's numerous assets - "Indian Forestry: Imagine the Possibilities"