And the Trees Will Last Forever

• This video and article describe the sustainable, regenerative, and climate-smart methods of managing the northern forests of Wisconsin by the Menominee Tribal Enterprises and other partners.
  
• The forests are facing threats such as oak wilt fungus, invasive species, and changing climate conditions, so the forest managers help by removing pests and invasive species and replanting tree species that will be resilient in the future.
• The tribe has consulted with the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science to create an adaptive management plan to consider climate change when working to regenerate their forests.
  

Positives

• The video and article highlight how Indigenous tribes have employed sustainable timber harvesting and how their knowledge is central to preserving and restoring the forest for future generations.
• The video has excellent quotes about sustainability, climate change, and forest diversity from Indigenous individuals who manage the forest.
• The video and article describe solutions that are good for the biodiversity and health of the forests.
  

Additional Prerequisites

• Students should know some basic forestry terms such as diversity, range, timber harvest, and understory.
• Students should understand how climate change can increase the threats from pests and diseases in trees.
• Students should have a basic understanding of the sovereignty of United States Native American tribes.

Differentiation

• Before watching the video, ask students how they think climate change might affect a forest and list their ideas on the board.
• As an extension activity, have students research and report out on different threats to forests, such as the emerald ash borer, Southern pine beetle, and Dutch elm disease.
• As a class, examine the "Don't Move Firewood" campaign and discuss how public service announcements such as this can help stop the spread of pests.
• This resource provides an excellent opportunity for interdisciplinary study of Indigenous cultures and sustainability.