Brett French reports: Collecting native seeds restores lands, people

Between Havre and Malta the Bureau of Land Management has launched a cooperative program to collect native seeds for restoration. What makes the program unique is that it involves the Fort Belknap Indian Community. Members of the tribe help collect the seeds as well as oversee honoring the process through ceremonies showing respect for the land. One of the partners is Oregon State University which provides expert help as well as a path for members of the tribe to continue on to a higher education. So in addition to providing seeds for land restoration at places like reclaimed mine sites, the program is also helping to rebuild Native American communities. The program has been so well received that work is underway to expand it nationally. To read more about the work, check out my story at:
https://billingsgazette.com/outdoors/seeds-of-success-bureau-of-land-management-oregon-state-university-cristina-eisenberg-fort-belknap-indian-community/article_54ab53a6-21c2-11ee-9f31-f70f538cedd4.html

Written by Brett French | Outdoors Editor | Billings Gazette Communications