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Cultural Resources Education Becomes High Speed Aquatic Endeavor for NRCS Field Staff

By Ian Carver | NRCS-WA Public Affairs Specialist
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Captain of boat gives lecture to curious onlookers

A group of Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) – Washington field staff were given a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge of the state’s cultural resources while taking in the beauty of the Snake River.

CLARKSTON, Wash. – A group of Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) – Washington field staff were given a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge of the state’s cultural resources while taking in the beauty of the Snake River.

For this group, learning more about cultural resources was a river roller-coaster adventure aboard a powerful jet boat, rather than a death by PowerPoint education. Letting education and adventure blend into a memorable day on the water.

Tracy Hanger, district conservationist, NRCS-WA found an enjoyable way to provide valuable cultural resource education to her team. A guided boat tour, who’s purpose was to help drive home the importance of looking out for cultural resources made for a thrilling educational tool.

“In an effort to keep our work ethically minded, and our purpose and team morally strong, I wanted to have a team training that went up Hells Canyon to see the museums, artifacts and learn of the Native American history in our area as an in-person experience,” said Hanger. “I felt our field staff would truly benefit and learn from having a fully narrated tour by some of our archeologists and local experts, at some of our most culturally significant sites in our region.”

The boat’s experienced and historically knowledgeable captain, alongside Courtney Smith, NRCS-WA, range conservationist, retired, and two NRCS-WA archeologists, provided the group with a wealth of information about the history of the region and the native Nez Perce Indians. The Nez Perce, also known as the Salmon People, relied on the Snake River, particularly Hells Canyon, to winter, due to the mild climate provided by the steep canyon walls along with the abondance of salmon and freshwater eel. Ancient Nez Perce petroglyphs along the banks of the river were a highlight of the adventure, allowing the observers to feel closer to the past and see with their own eyes the rich history of the region.

“A trip like this, on the Snake River, in Hells Canyon, provides a really good opportunity for our conservation planners to recognize archeology, to realize that we are in areas of cultural significance for tribes and that they are likely to come across cultural resources in their planning efforts,” said Grant Smith, state archaeologist, NRCS-WA. “To be able to recognize house foundations, or mines or mine tailings are very valuable, especially to hear the stories that are behind (the artifacts) really helps our planners to better appreciate our cultural resources.”

The trip took over three hours, start to finish, but provided an experience that is not replicable in a classroom or lecture. Knowing what to look for when staff are in the field is something that takes a keen eye and understanding of the history of the area. Having experts give a guided tour in such an amazing setting is an unforgettable experience and one that will...continue reading and view the StoryMap here.