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Contributed Talk

Session: : Interdisciplinary Collaborations for Conservation

COS 17-6 - Collaborative Knowledge Braiding for Restoration: Assessing Climate Change Risks and Adaptation Options at the Wuda Ogwa Restoration Site

Monday, August 7, 2023
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM PDT
Location: D133-134
Abstract: The restoration of culturally significant landscapes poses formidable challenges given more than 150 years of settler-colonial land use change and a rapidly changing climate. A novel approach to these challenges entails mobilizing and braiding Indigenous and western scientific knowledge. This case study braids Indigenous plant knowledge, species distribution models, and downscaled climate models. MaxEnt species distribution models were used to project the future spatial distribution of culturally significant plant species under medium (SSP2-4.5) and high (SSP5-8.5) emissions scenarios. Revegetation priorities and approaches can be identified by tradeoffs between each species’ current and future suitability. Based on past, present, and potential future conditions of the Bear River Massacre site in Idaho, this research contributes to a knowledge-braiding approach around the analysis of climate risks, vulnerabilities, and restoration possibilities for Tribal leadership as they lead and facilitate a transdisciplinary team of multiple partners to create a climate-adaptive restoration plan. Results indicate that restoring riparian habitat and processes is a potential action that will enhance the resilience of plants, animals, and waterways of a sacred site now stewarded by the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation.