Montana tribes combine traditional knowledge and Western science in climate plan
Montana tribes are integrating traditional knowledge with Western science to address climate change. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are focusing on restoring whitebark pine forests, which are crucial for maintaining snowpack and preventing drought. Despite challenges from state and federal policies, the tribes are committed to climate action and resilience.
- ▪The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have been harvesting cones from healthy whitebark pine trees to regrow resistant seedlings.
- ▪Half of the whitebark pine population has been lost since the 1990s due to warmer temperatures and invasive species.
- ▪Montana's state climate plan has been shelved under the current Republican governor, limiting state-level climate action.
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Montana tribes combine traditional knowledge and Western science in climate plan May 18, 20265:00 AM ET From By Ellis Juhlin Mike Durglo Jr. has devoted his life to preparing his home and his people for climate change. As the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes climate change coordinator he wrote one of the first tribal climate action plans in the country over 15 years ago. Ryan Kellman/NPR hide caption toggle caption Ryan Kellman/NPR NPR is dedicating a week to stories and conversations about how communities are moving forward on climate solutions despite significant political headwinds.
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