Coconstruction of Ecosystem Services Management in Tribal Lands: Elicit Expert Opinion Approach

Abstract

The Mescalero Apache Tribal Lands (MATL) provide a diverse range of ecosystem services, many of which are of fundamental importance for the Mescalero Apache Tribe’s well-being. Managing forests on MATL, especially under climate change, involves prioritizing certain ecosystem services. We used an iterative survey of experts’ opinions to identify those ecosystem services that 1) have high utility—services that the Tribe uses, or could use, and are obtained directly or indirectly from the MATL; 2) are irreplaceable—services that cannot be provided by any other natural resource; and 3) are under a high level of threat—services at risk of declining or being lost directly or indirectly by climate change and thus are critical for management. Both scientists and practitioners identified water and cultural services as management priorities. Management recommendations to mitigate and adapt to climate change effects include reintroduction of fire in the landscape, assisted migration, creation of age/size mosaics across the landscape, and incorporation of green energy. Incorporating human perspectives into natural resource management is a critical component to maintain and adapt social–ecological systems to climate change, especially for Indigenous communities with inherent rights of sovereignty who are deeply connected to natural resources. This study demonstrates how knowledge systems are complementary: diverse perspectives related to values and threats of ecosystems can be incorporated to coconstruct ecosystem management decisions.

Trends of forest and ecosystem services changes in the Mescalero Apache Tribal Lands

“…The unintended change in forest composition from ponderosa pine-dominated forest to Douglas fir has multiple ecological and economic consequences. First, the reduction of forest heterogeneity reduces potential habitat for wildlife, available food, medicinal plants, and revenue from tourism (Azpeleta Taranc on et al 2020). Second, Douglas fir has higher fuel loads, and it is less fire resistant than ponderosa pine, which could lead to an increase in severe wildfires.…”

Social science to advance wildfire adaptation in the southwestern United States: a review and future research directions

“…Many of these studies also emphasise the importance of Indigenous histories, knowledge, partnerships, and inclusion in determining appropriate and effective fuels management approaches for southwestern landscapes, underscoring the consequences of forced exclusion of cultural fire use (e.g. Tarancón et al 2020;Abrams et al 2021;Roos et al 2021;Russell et al 2021). Federal structures for promoting largescale and cross-jurisdictional strategies for enhancing ecological resilience through fuels treatments (e.g.…”