Mvs-yee-se'-ne Xa'-tr'vslh-nvt

January 31, 2023, Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation (Nation) and U.S. Forest Service came together to implement a prescribed burn near Gasquet, CA, at Mvs-yee-se’ -ne (Pappas Flat).

Mvs-yee-se’ -ne is a culturally significant landscape, including a traditional village and harvesting/hunting grounds, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The landscape is managed collaboratively between the Six Rivers National Forest (SRNF), Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation and Elk Valley Rancheria, with the goal to preserve the area’s historical cultural features, while implementing Indigenous led stewardship of cultural resources within the landscape.

Fire adapted species such as Oregon white oak, hazel, huckleberry and a variety of other culturally significant plant and wildlife species need regular intervals of low-intensity fire to restrict seedling establishment of competing species (especially invasive and noxious weeds), improve growing conditions, and control insect infestations. Keeping the understory clear enables large oaks to thrive and maintains open space for wildlife. It also increases the quality and quantity of basketry materials, foods, medicines and other utilitarian species. Low intensity burns reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and mitigate the impact of catastrophic incidents.

The Nation in partnership with SRNF and has secured funding through the local Resource Advisory Committee and BIA to continue implementation of stewardship activities in this landscape. Next steps include: road maintenance, protective barriers, planting of native grasses, monitoring of activities, maintenance of invasive species (Himalaya, Scotch broom and French Broom) and regular application of fire. It’s critical to us that we continue to preserve and perpetuate Tolowa Dee-ni' lifeways for community members and our future generations.

Submitted by: Natural Resources Department–Habitat & Wildlife & THPO