Natural Resources

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ Natural Resources program’s mission is to protect, conserve, and enhance Tribal natural resources for the benefit of the Cherokee community. Today, the program works to integrate cultural values with modern scientific initiatives in order to effectively manage natural resources valuable to the Cherokee people. Departmental staff includes management, biological and physical scientists, technicians, and administrative personnel (28 full-time employees). We work hard to maintain healthy fish, wildlife, and plant populations, manage forest and aquatic habitats, protect Tribal air and water quality, assist community members with regulatory processes, promote natural resource-related recreational and subsistence opportunities, and provide educational services to the Cherokee people. We strive to implement effective natural resource management strategies, based on sound science and strong partnerships that meet diverse objectives, both within and outside today’s trust land holdings.