www.unce.unr.edu

Volume 4, No. 2, Spring 2013

Nixon hoop house rebuild

Beyond The Hub

Nixon Hoop House Rebuild

Identifying Pest Problems

4-H Global Strategy

Caffeine and Pregnancy

USDA Updates

Native American Rights Fund

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Beyond the HubBeyond the Hub is a pilot project that seeks to improve the availability of nutritious food on Newe (Shoshone) and Numa (Paiute) American Indian

Reservations in Northern Nevada. Project emphasis will focus on the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables. Guided by community participants

the project will lead to greater understanding of the current situation and identify community assets and ways they can be brought to bear to

improve reservation nutrition and health.

The University of Nevada, Reno is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, creed, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or genetic information in any program or activity it operates. The University of Nevada employs only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States.

All expenses covered on 2 people per reservation. 18 scholarships available. This includes travel, lodging, meals and registration.

Fee for others is $80. This includes meals and registration. Travel and lodging is on your own.

For more information contact…Randy Emm, Nevada FRTREP, Phone (775) 316-1184Email emmr@unce.unr.edu

So… why would you want to be involved?

Healthier food and healthier families

Plan to

attend the…

Capacity Building

Forum in Fallon,

September 26-27, 2013

Nixon Hoop House

Rebuild

May 8, 2013: Back in December of 2012, the wind took down the first hoop house we built at this location in Nixon. This time around we replaced the plastic covered ends with plywood as well as adding a new method of securing the plastic cover-ing with extra twine. ROUND TWO. The hoop house is next to an orchard in an old baseball field. There are a wide variety of fruits growing here. The river is located just beyond the orchard. A few of the warmer climate species on the ends (mainly pomegranate) did not survive the harsh winters. Peaches, pears, plums, and others continue to thrive. It’s

definitely looking like it's ready to pro-duce some fruit! We began by spacing the re-bar out every 3 feet along each length; leaving about 4-5 inches of the re-bar sticking out as an anchor (this is where the PVC hoop slides on). We then measured out twine which will be tied to the re-bar (part of the anchor system to hold the plastic down). One end is cut longer, the other is cut short. Both pieces are tied at the bottom of the re-bar on either side of the hoop house and the longer end is thrown over the hoop and tied to the shorter end. We sledge hammer the last few re-bar anchors in while others began laying out

the lengths of twine for each anchor point. We were able to salvage all but 4 of the hoops from the hoop house that was destroyed (which simply had to be re-spliced together with new PVC). The hoops always go up fast and this is the most fun to watch. If we were doing this with new PVC we would have to bend it to fit onto the re-bar. This time the hoops were already form fitted to go. They kind of look like “ribs”. Inside the "ribs" of the hoop house, it looks like there is some variation in the shape of the hoops. All of this will change once we run a piece of PVC all the way down the top as a "spine". We began

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placing brackets along the top of each hoop. A PVC "spine" will run the length of the hoop house and attach to these brackets for added strength. It’s always nice when you have folks who lend some height to getting these brackets spaced and placed. One person stands at either end to make sure the "spine" is in line the length of the structure. This is done by eye. Another person makes sure the hoops are connected to the "spine" in 3 ft. intervals. This is done with a tape measure and sharpie to make marks along the top piece of PVC "spine" where the hoop will connect to it. The last person secures the two together with an electric powered drill. These clamps connect a long PVC "spine" over the hoops down the center. The "spine" is centered and attached and the plastic is ready for the roof.

Next it’s time to unfold the plas-tic and toss it on top. We began unfolding the 90 foot long piece of plastic, starting in the center and it unfolding it from both sides towards either end. The plastic is heavy, so it helps if there are extra hands. Then we figure out which side goes inside and which side will face out (this mat-ters!). The hoop house is 84 feet long. The plastic is 90 feet long. So we will have to trim a bit off the end. We will cut this off since our doors are made of plywood now. The first time around we used this extra bit of plastic for the ends, but we will re-purpose these pieces for smaller scale hot houses and grow frames, etc... Ideally you want to have a few people spaced out along the length of the plastic in order to lift it over the hoops uniformly. Like a big bed sheet, we lift it

up and over the hoops to cover the length of our structure. The first time around it was very windy when we did this, making it difficult to properly center and secure. It helps if you do this on a nice calm day like this. Just get that plastic even on all sides. There should be about two feet extra overhang on all edges. It immediately jumps up in temperature as soon as we get the plastic draped over. I wish I had a thermometer to show you that it's at least 20+ degrees hotter in here just a few seconds after we get the covering on. We began to notice condensation forming on the inside of the plastic pretty much instantly as soon as we got the plastic on. Once the plastic is even and centered, we began throwing the long endof twine over the top to secure the plastic covering to the hoops. This will be tied to

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the short end of the twine on the adjacent side. Now every hoop has a piece of twine which will create strength to anchor the plastic covering to the hoops. We tied slip knots in the two lengths so that if they need to be adjusted later on it will be possible. We didn’t do it this time around, but you could also back-fill the little flap of the edge of plastic at the bottom with dirt. Finally, we snug up that twine to hold the plastic covering. We wanted this to be tight so the hoop house maintains its integrity. We then moved to the end caps. We began by securing the end of the plastic to the wood framing of the end piece using a piece of 1x lumber which is wrapped with the excess plastic and screwed into the wood frame. There is also a vent on the door which allows for extra ventilation when it gets too hot. The

plastic is now sleek and tight along the length of the hoop house. This was impos-sible to do when it was windy the first time around. Almost complete! In this design we incorporated a few more fence posts and added twine with the hope that the hoop house will be more aerodynamic in higher winds, providing added insurance that the cover will not blow off. The blue twine is used in a criss-cross pattern across the top of the structure. There are three fence posts spaced evenly on both sides along the length of the hoop house. The blue twine starts at a corner of the structure and is thrown diagonally to the first fence post on the adjacent side. From there it is criss-crossed back to the second post on the side we started from and then back to the third post on the adjacent side. Finally, the twine is connected to the opposite

corner at the side we started from and we repeated this process for the second side. This was the most important improve-ment made on this hoop house, and it has proven successful against high winds in Wadsworth. Just add seeds and water! We ended up having a giant Rubbermaid container full of lots of varieties of heir-loom seeds to plant. There were probably enough seeds to fill ten hoop houses in that thing! As we finished out the day with a picnic lunch, we searched for the perfect packet to plant in the new garden.

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Special thanks to all who came out and participated. Pictured

below, the crew from left to right: Billie Jean Guerrero, Brian

Wadsworth, Deanna Patrick, Nathan Dunn, Randy Emm

(UNCE), Marlin Patrick, Della John, Kent Kreller, and Victor

Williams (UNCE)

How much wood could a wood-chuck chuck? If he lived in one of Nevada’s high fire hazard areas, he should chuck all of it at least 30 feet from his home.One of the most common wildfire fuel hazards homeowners create is the place-ment of firewood stacks next their home. During a wildfire, hundreds of burning embers could become lodged within the stack. The dry, high winds that often ac-company wildfire can fan the embers and cause ignition. Once burning, the fire-

wood stack can jeopardize just about any home, regardless of construction material, because of its ability to ignite combustible siding, provide a flaming exposure to win-dows and break the glass, or climb to the eave and possible enter into the attic.Firewood should be stored at least 30 feet from the house, deck, and other structures during fire season. If the firewood stack is located uphill, make sure burning logs won’t roll downhill and ignite the home. Don’t place the stack under tree branches

or adjacent to wood fences that are con-nected to the house. In the winter, bring just enough wood in close to the house. Another option is to store firewood inside the garage, but make sure embers can’t enter your garage though gaps between the door and framing. Don’t let your firewood stack be the kindling for your house fire. Reduce the fuel - Reduce the risk! For more tips on how to live more safely with wildfire, visit our website at LivingWithFire.info.

Reduce the Fuel - Reduce the Risk Tip - Chucking Your Wood

Earlier this year I approached Barrick Gold of North America with the thought of introducing the High-tunnel/hoop houses to the following Northern NV reservations: Duck Valley, Temoke Band of Western Shoshone of (Wells, Elko, Southfork, & Battle Mtn.), Ely, Duckwater, & Yomba Tribes. The idea was to target families who have gardening experience with the emphasis of becoming self subsistent & possibly starting their own business selling locally grown produce.

Barrick Executives thought it was a great idea that would fit into cultural awareness since traditionally native peoples’ have lived off of the land. They agreed to fund the project, so our UNCE/FRTEP “Native hoop house crew” (Randy, Victor, & myself) have agreed to construct the units later this fall, and hold three informational workshops on central reservations locations.

Barrick Gold GrantBy Reggie Premo,

Stop Violence Hoop House

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April 30th,Leilani Hanchor, of UNCE, along with Aj

Hernandez, Ira Crutcher, Eric Prior and Shawn Kelly helped to set up the Stop Violence Hoop

House in Owyhee, NV. Everyone had a fun time, and it went up quick! Good job all, it’s looking

pretty awesome!

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Are You Sure You Have A Pest Problem?

When we see damage to our landscape plants or lawns, we tend to immediately think, “What pest caused this problem?” Many times, the damage we see may not have been caused by a pest. Causes of plant damage include too much water, too little water, salt or salty soil problems, too much sun, too little sun or other things that stress plants. Sometimes our gardening practices are harmful to plants. For example, placing too thick a layer of mulch, accidently applying pesticides where we didn’t want them or forgetting to give our plants water in the winter when the weather is too dry can all lead to plant damage that is not caused by pests or diseases.

How can I tell if an insect pest might be causing my problem?

Look for:

-Live insects. Get them identified, so you know if they’re pests or good bugs.

-Webbing or silk on leaves or stems, left by mites or caterpillars.

-Insect remains, such as egg shells, mummies, cocoons, trails of silk or droppings.

-Scale or aphid protective coverings, generally waxy substances.

-Honeydew, a sticky liquid left by some insect pests, such as aphids.

-Sawdust, wood chips or pitch balls found on the tree trunk or at the base of the tree. This may indicate bark beetles or wood borers.

Before you apply another product to your plants, make sure you know the cause of the problem. These photos show some common problems. None were caused by pests.

The tree at left is suffering from winter injury. People caused the injury to the tree at right.

The dead spots in these photos were not caused by insect pests or diseases.The spot on top was caused by dog urine and the spot below by uneven watering.

The yellow and brown edges on the leaves

below were caused by road salts.

The damage to this tree trunk was causedby a string trimmer.

The yellowing on these inner, older pine

needles below is normal. This happens on pine

trees every year in late summer.

Pesticides caused the yellowing and

wiltingshown on this plant.

This is an excerpt from the Integrated Pest Management fact sheet 12-23. For more information please visit our website at www.manageNVpests.info.

4-H Global

StrategyFeeding a Growing World The United Nations recently projected that the world population will surpass 7 billion people by the end of this year and will continue to soar through the century. In a world already grappling with a changing climate, water shortages, famine and disputes over land usage, the future presents new and profound challenges. We are reaching a crisis point as dramatically increasing food demands are placed on already-stressed farmers—as well as the entire agriculture industry. Hunger kills more people than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. And the problem is only growing worse. Food production must double by 2050 to meet the population growth in developing countries.

The Youth Solution To ensure global economic and political stability, we must now work to create long-term solutions to feed a growing world. And within our youth lies the power to change the course of history and build a more sustainable future. Globally, there are more than 1.3 billion young people ages 12 to 24. Many of these are rural youth without access to resources to develop a viable future. These young people can lead the next “Green Revolution” that will build a truly sustainable world. Empowering them to do so is our greatest responsibility.

4-H Global Strategy As the world’s largest youth development organization—we are found in more than 70 countries—4-H is investing in young people today to grow a brighter future. With a rich history grounded in agriculture and a focus on developing skills in leadership and innovation, 4-H is positioned to equip young people with the skills they need to meet the demands of a stressed

and crowded planet and develop the solutions that will sustain the human race. The 4-H youth experience includes practical skill building activities, meaningful leadership roles and connection with a caring adult. The integration of these three elements creates a unique positive youth development experience that equips young people for future life success. According to a longitudinal study, 4-H youth attain higher educational achievement and are three times more likely to actively contribute to their communities. We encourage the global community to join us in an ambitious and critical initiative to reach 1 million young people, particularly girls and young women, outside the U.S. with high quality positive youth development opportunities. Through this effort, we will double the number of youth participating in 4-H by 2015—and empower the world’s young people to take control of their future and build a better world.

4-H 2015 Global Strategy Vision A sustainable and innovative global 4-H network will empower youth to reach their full potential. To do so, we need to engage one million youth outside the U.S. with high quality positive youth development (PYD) opportunities. Why is a global strategy needed? The global youth population is soaring. Countries are struggling to provide youth with avenues of employment and self-sufficiency. The world is facing monumental problems. Youth are the contribution differential for betterment and change in their communities. Yet there is no clear “youth strategy” today which firmly positions youth as the solution to the world’s problems.

OBJECTIVES 1. Engage influencers, multinationals and partners to advance positive youth development through innovative partnerships. 2. Support global 4-H programs in increasing the number of young people reached with high-quality positive youth development programs. 3. Connect 4-H programs, leaders, and volunteers around the world in order to increase resources, share ideas, and build capacity. 4. Establish and share principles and best practices that ensure quality, accountability and sustainability for global 4-H programs.

OUTCOME Metric: Double the number of youth participating in 4-H programs outside the U.S. 1. To build consensus that youth are THE solution to solving the world’s challenges. 2. To build capacity and capability of 4-H programs to reach youth with high quality positive youth development programs.

GOALS Metrics: • Number of strategic partners advancing PYD • Investment in global PYD research • Increased awareness and funding of PYD among “investors” and partners • Number of youth reached • Number of 4-H staff and volunteers trained • Number of partnerships developed • Knowledge Center web analytics • Quality standards established

-Article material from http://www.4-h.org/about/global-network/

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Caffeine is a natural chemical found in leaves and seeds of more than 60 plants. It is also added to many soft drinks, sport and energy drinks and non-prescription medications (see table).

Caffeine is a stimulant. It can increase alertness and heart rate. It also causes your body to lose water.

Most experts agree that pregnant women and nursing mothers should limit their intake to no more than 300 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day. Too much caffeine can cause developing babies to have irregular heart rates. Breastfed babies whose mothers take in too much caffeine are sometimes fussy, cranky and do not sleep well. It is much harder to take care of tired or fussy babies, especially for first-time mothers.

You may want to learn about the caffeine content of your favorite beverages (see chart). If the total is more than 300 milligrams a day, you should slowly cut back over the period of a few weeks. During this time, you may have withdrawal symptoms such as headache, sleepiness, feeling kind of low and upset stomach. Remember these symptoms will lessen over time.

Caffeine Matters

•Caffeine, like most substances taken during pregnancy, crosses the placenta. Your baby gets it too!• Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. If it causes you problems such as headaches, restlessness, rapid heart rate or tiredness, you may need to lower your caffeine intake.•Caffeine may help some people stay alert, but it will not sober up someone who drinks too much alcohol. (You should NOT drink alcoholic beverages if you are pregnant.)• Manufacturers add caffeine to soft drinks, sports and energy drinks to make you feel “energetic.” Some beverages have large amounts added. Examples include Enviga (a green tea drink), which has 100 mg of caffeine per 12 ounce serving. AMP energy drink has 74 mg of caffeine per 8 ounce serving.• Soft drinks have become the major source of caffeine for children. Beware of the super-sized caffeinated soft drinks served in fast food restaurants. In addition to caffeine, soft drinks have a lot of sugar that can cause tooth decay, along with weight gain.

Beware of Energy Drinks

• Many energy drinks typically contain high levels of caffeine - up to 3-5 times more than drinks. They often have additional amounts of caffeine from other additives of plant origin. Therefore, their caffeine content may be much higher than listed.•Look for ingredients such as guarana, kola nut, yerba mate and cocoa. The actual caffeine content may be hidden in these plants.• Energy drinks also contain other herbal supplements that have potential interaction with vitamins or medications that you are taking. They may increase your heart rate or blood pressure.

How Do You Cut Back?

•Choose caffeine-free drinks, decaffeinated coffee or tea, fruit juices or water.• Switch to non-caffeinated soft drinks such as 7-Up®, Sprite®, Slice®, ginger ale, root beer, or Fresca® or decaffeinated colas.• Mix one half regular and one half decaffeinated coffee or drinks.•If you can’t switch all at once, alternate a caffeinated beverage with a decaffeinated one throughout the day.•Read medications for caffeine content. If you are not sure, check with health professionals such as pharmacists, doctors, nurses or dietitians.

Caffeine Matters During Pregnancy

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This is an excerpt from the Nurturing Partners Curriculum, fact sheet 12-11. For more information please visit our website at www.unce.unr.edu/publications/search/.

USDA Rural Business Opportunity Grants Provide Technical Assistance for Business Development

and Economic Development Planning Tribes Eligible for Funds to Establish Training Programs and Business Support Centers USDA Rural Development Nevada is seeking applications from qualified organizations to provide technical assistance, economic development planning, or training in rural communities with exceptional needs. The Rural Business Opportunity Grant provides up to $100,000 in grant funding. The deadline for applications is June 24, 2013 for online applications, June 28, 2013 for in person or mailed applications. Eligible applicants include public bodies, nonprofit corporations, Federally Recognized Tribes, and institutions of higher learning located in a rural area (populations less than 50,000). To score well, applicants must show that they have both sufficient financial strength and expertise to complete proposed activities that will support long-term, sustainable economic development activities in their rural community. If awarded an RBOG, successful applicants may use the funds to pay costs of providing economic planning for rural communities or tribes, technical assistance for rural or tribal businesses, or training for rural or tribal entrepreneurs or economic development officials. For example, in 2011, the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma used $150,000 in RD funds for technical assistance to develop tourism activities for the Seminole Nation Grisso Mansion and Cultural and Events center. In 2012, the Seneca Nation of Indians used $119,976 in RD funds to develop the Seneca Nation Small Business Development Incubator Program which will provide technical assistance for entrepreneur counseling, training and mentoring for existing and prospective rural entrepreneurs. Some other examples of eligible uses include:• Community or multi-county economic development planning

• Technology-based economic development• Feasibility studies and business plan• Leadership and entrepreneur training• Rural business incubators and other business and entrepreneurship support• Long-term business strategic planning• Reasonable fees and charges for professional services necessary to conduct the technical assistance, training, or planning functions

Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Michelle Kelly at the USDA RD Office in Carson City at (775) 887-1222, Ext. 118 for more information or to discuss potential project and applicant eligibility. The application deadlines for the Rural Business Opportunity Grants are June 24 for electronic applications through http://www.grants.gov; and June 28 to mail in paper applications or to hand deliver applications to the USDA RD state office. The office is located at 1390 S. Curry St., Carson City, NV 89703. For additional information on how to apply, see the May 14 Federal Register, page 28184, or visit http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-05-14/html/2013-11451.htm. In the past, grants have been awarded in communities with long-term persistent poverty, job deterioration, high unemployment, and long-term population decline. Sustainable economic development, improved economic activity, and increased jobs in the service area are the desired results. The RBOG program and other USDA business and cooperate development programs have had a significant impact on rural communities. In 2012 alone, they helped almost 10,000 rural small business owners or farmers nationwide improve their enterprises. Business and cooperative program funding created or saved an estimated 53,000 rural jobs in 2012.

Silver State Youth Livestock Show and

Expo The Nevada State Youth Livestock Show is coming August 15-18. The Silver State Youth Livestock Show and Expo is an event of the Lyon County Fair and Rodeo in Yerington. As a part of the Lyon County Fair and Rodeo events, families will enjoy a Livestock Show, Sunday Afternoon Auction, and youth exhibitors. There will be beef, sheep, sheep futurity, swine, meat goats, dairy cattle, dairy goats, rabbits, poultry and cavy shows. The Silver State Youth Livestock Show and Expo is a huge undertaking that will require the support, advice, and participation of the individuals and organizations whose purpose is to support educational opportunities for the young agriculturalist and the agricultural industry. Entry forms must be postmarked by July 20, 2013. For more information call 775-761-5762; or contact the Lyon County Fair Board at 27 South Main Street, Yerington, Nevada 89447. The website will be online soon.

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(CARSON CITY—April 29, 2013) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today’s announcement is one part of the Department’s efforts to strengthen the rural economy. USDA Rural Development (RD) recently announced funding for the Pyramid Lake Tribe to purchase kitchen and meeting room equipment for the recently constructed Wadsworth Community Center. On April 17, Tribal Chairman Elwood Lowery and RD State Director Sarah Adler jointly announced a $15,600 grant and a $12,800 direct loan during a Strike Force Initiative meeting between USDA and tribal members. The funds will support the Tribe’s purchase of furniture and commercial kitchen equipment for the new community center. Tribal Chairman Elwood Lowery, Tribal Vice Chair Terrence James, Tribal Administrator Della John, tribal staff, and USDA leadership and staff from the Farm Service Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Risk Management Agency, Food and Nutrition Service, and

Rural Development participated in the meeting. Over 40 USDA and tribal staff members met to discuss conservation and agriculture programs, as well as business development, infrastructure and food systems. Tribal Administrator Della Johns called the meeting “historic,” saying that this was only the second time in the Tribe’s history that a joint meeting of this magnitude with the federal government had occurred. In depth discussions occurred regarding agriculture, conservation, food security, tribal business enterprises, and community, youth and cultural resource needs and opportunities. A follow-up workshop with business enterprises and business and economic development partners is anticipated. The meeting was initiated as part of the national Strike Force for Rural Growth and Opportunity initiative developed by USDA. The goal of USDA’s Strike Force is to work collaboratively to provide intensive care for communities that suffer from high poverty. USDA joins together with communities in these areas to build opportunity for their citizens. USDA leadership and staff partner with local

organizations and civic leaders, providing them with technical support and assistance to help them successfully apply for USDA programs. Since 2010, USDA has piloted the Strike Force initiative in six states – Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada. In these states, USDA has already partnered with more than 400 community based organizations. Recently, USDA added the Dakotas, the Carolinas, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Texas, Utah and Virginia. USDA has made a concerted effort to deliver results for the American people, even as USDA implements sequestration – the across-the-board budget reductions mandated under terms of the Budget Control Act. USDA has already undertaken historic efforts since 2009 to save more than $700 million in taxpayer funds through targeted, common-sense budget reductions. These reductions have put USDA in a better position to carry out its mission, while implementing sequester budget reductions in a fair manner that causes as little disruption as possible.

USDA Funds $28,400 to Equip Wadsworth Community Center

At right is the new Drought Dashboard that was created by FSA and DRI. There is a lot of information on this site, including the Latest Drought Information and Assistance tab towards the top of the Home Page that includes what some of the agencies are offering producers. In addition to current drought status, there is information on stream flow, weather forecasts etc. It’s a bit technical but easy to navigate.

U.S. Drought Monitor

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The University of Nevada, Reno is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, creed, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation in any program or activity it operates. The University of Nevada employs only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States.

www.unce.unr.edu

Kathy FrazierPyramid LakeKathy coordinates workshops in risk management workshops, tribal record keeping, and tax management. Kathy is also the coordinator for the Nevada Indian Agriculture Summit.

Frank FlavinRenoAs the Director for the Western Area, Frank oversees four county offices in Northern Nevada. He is co-director of the Nevada Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP).

Leilani HanchorDuck ValleyLeilani is located on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation to implement the Veggies For Kids Program and other FRTEP programming.

Jordan LubekRenoJordan educates on a variety of new practices for community sustainability and planning. His programming focuses on the use of geospatial data and technology to better improve productivity and communication in a changing global environment.

VictorWilliamsWalker RiverVictor assists with youth development and is the coordinator for hoop house construction projects statewide.

Reggie PremoDuck ValleyReggie is the program facilitator for the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Program funded by CSREES to assist Native American farmers and ranchers to access the various USDA program offerings.

Randy EmmWalker RiverRandy is the Indian Reservation Program Coordinator at UNCE. His programming focuses on providing farmers and ranchers with information and resources designed to improve organization and operation of tribal lands.

Native American Rights Fund

www.facebook.com/NativeProgramsUNCE

Founded in 1970, the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) is the oldest and largest nonprofit law firm dedicated to asserting and defending the rights of Indian tribes, organizations and individuals nationwide. NARF’s practice is concentrated in five key areas: the preservation of tribal existence; the protection of tribal natural resources; the promotion of Native American human rights; the accountability of governments to Native Americans; and the development of Indian law and educating the public about Indian rights, laws, and issues. One of the current efforts of NARF is to insure that the voices of indigenous cultures are heard in the issues

of climate change that constitutes a threat to Indian Country and the world at large. In its 2012 Annual Report NARF states: The strength of the indigenous perspective builds on thousands of years of accumulated observation of the environment. The oral histories of indigenous cultures are a tremendous resource because the histories preserve information that reaches into data-sparse time periods unavailable to many modern science techniques. Indigenous cultures, with their close ties to landscapes and ecological systems, are first observers of climate change and bring first-hand experience of the changes that accompany a changing

climate. The changes in climate often represent life or death choices for subsistence economies. John E. Echohawk is the Executive Director of NARF which has a governing board composed of Native American Leaders from across the country who are chosen based on their involvement and knowledge of Indian issues and affairs, as well as their tribal affiliation, to ensure a comprehensive geographical representation. The main office is located at 1506 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado 80302 www.narf.org