Empowering Tribal communities to advance natural resource management and outreach through collaborative approaches

Abstract

Wildlife management necessitates collaboration across agencies, governments, and communities,complicated by diverse priorities and the need to address cross-boundary impacts. Chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal prion disease affecting cervid populations in the Upper Midwest, exemplifies the need for comprehensive, inclusive management strategies. Gaps in understanding and literature regarding CWD’s impact on Tribal communities have led to insufficient consideration of their unique needs. This dissertation demonstrates how community-engaged research can address these gaps by partnering with Tribal agencies and communities to inform the development of culturally-relevant CWD outreach and management strategies. Through surveys and direct engagement with Tribal community members and hunters, my research assesses hunting behaviors, perceptions of CWD, and management preferences, integrating community input to tailor solutions to Tribal needs. The overall aim is to establish a model for effective academic-Tribal partnerships, showcasing how community-engaged approaches can enhance inclusivity in wildlife management and improve outcomes for all involved.