From 2023: #OneidaNation's #environmental restoration project to receive funding in proposed [#Wisconsin] state budget

#Wildrice, or manoomin in #Ojibwe, is central to Ojibwe identity and is part of the culture’s migration story.

by Frank Vaisvilas
February 17, 2023

ONEIDA – "Part of Gov. #TonyEvers’ proposed budget includes $875,000 to help fund the Oneida Nation’s environmental restoration project on the reservation.

"Over the past year, the tribe has restored about 3,000 acres of #wetlands, #grasslands, #prairies and #forests on the reservation.

"The governor’s budget includes an annual investment of $175,000 for five years for continuing the Oneida Nation’s #HabitatRestoration work and bird monitoring project just west of #GreenBay.

"'We know that #nature can provide for itself if allowed to. A years-long restoration of Oneida’s lands in Northeastern Wisconsin has led to improvements in water quality and the return of #wildlife,' said Oneida Chairman Tehassi Hill in a statement. 'We appreciate Governor Evers for supporting our work to restore and protect Wisconsin’s natural spaces.'

"The Oneida Nation also started a bird monitoring project on its restoration sites in coordination with the Northeastern Wisconsin #Audubon Society and UW-Green Bay’s Cofrin Center for Biodiversity to research how birds are responding to the tribe’s conservation efforts.

"'We’ve witnessed firsthand as state-threatened bird species, like the #HenslowsSparrow, have returned to restored Oneida Nation lands, an incredible testament to the importance of this restoration work,' said Erin Giese, president of the Northeastern Wisconsin Audubon Society, in a statement.

[...]

"Evers’ budget proposal also includes a $200,000 investment in restoring and protecting natural wild rice areas in Wisconsin.

"Experts say wild rice is an essential food source for many of the #MigratorBirds in the area, including many species of #ducks, #pheasants, #owls, #cranes, #geese and #songbirds.

"The plants also help to improve the #environment.

"'Emergent plants, including wild rice, help promote #water quality through the filtering and storage of nutrients and slow down wave action in the #CoastalWetlands of Green Bay,' said Dr. Amy Carrozzino-Lyon, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay restoration project manager in the natural and applied sciences department. 'A diversity of native wetland plants helps the community function at its best.'"

Read more:
https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/news/native-american-issues/2023/02/17/evers-seeks-funds-for-oneida-nations-environmental-project-in-budget/69916222007/

#RestoreNature #WaterIsLife #RestoreTheWetlands
#SaveTheMarshes
#SaveNature #NatureBasedSolutions
#IndigenousWisdom
#Collaboration