Appendix 3
SOCIAL CULTURAL DECISIONS
Defining Conservation Targets Determining where to focus limited resources in the face of accelerating threats to ecological integrity is a challenging task. The EBCI works to identify and prioritize conservation targets through the integration of both cultural values and modern scientific perspectives. In turn, EBCI Natural Resources focuses its conservation strategies on biological conditions that will affect prioritized conservation targets. Specific biological conditions receiving management attention consist of species, assemblages, and habitat specific conservation targets based upon a variety of cultural, economic, legal, and ecological factors. The following social and cultural decisions guide the establishment of conservation targets: EBCI government approved natural resource management planning documents (i.e. “Legacy Plan”) EBCI natural resource codes and laws Federal laws, regulations, and statutes that have been demonstrated to be applicable to Native American Trust lands (i.e. Endangered Species Act of 1973) Community guidance (i.e. elders advisory boards, hunters, Cherokee language) The following criteria are assessed in this management document to develop conservation target priorities and direct management actions. All species that meet one or more of the following criteria are considered Cherokee Species of Concern (CSC) and are further sub- categorized based upon primary and secondary cultural or ecological values (Appendix 1. Cherokee Species of Concern). Culturally Significant Species We prioritize species for this classification based upon an expression of community value as documented through the EBCI Legacy Plan, contemporary and historic public input, and historic documentation verified by the EBCI Tribal Historic Preservation Office. Animals also often possess multiple cultural values and uses. These include species that: Are difficult to assess, yet are hunted, fished, and trapped for consumptive or recreational purposes (Cultural-Subsistence) Support material needs including artisan and traditional cultural practices (Cultural/Practice) Support spiritual values and other non-consumptive uses (Cultural-Aesthetic)
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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