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Lorna Walking
Eagle as Assistant Coordinator has been making progress on the
Administration for Native Americans Environmental Enhancement Project
Grant since November 29, 2004. Lorna Walking Eagle is from the Wood Lake
region. A contract was developed with an environmental consultant to
advise the above named individual for successful completion of the
program. The Spirit Lake Reservation Tribal EPA Director, Mr. Silas
Ironheart, and the Environmental Coordinator formulated a comprehensive
plan to conduct a natural resources inventory to facilitate the
restoration of contaminated environmental regions, to maintain pristine
native areas, and to preserve the cultural heritage of the native
population. Two personal computers with associated printers and
telephones were purchased and installed for the newly hired personnel.
Large office desks with associated folder filing systems were also
secured to organize the project data. The Environmental Planning
Consultant and the Environmental Coordinator developed 15 natural and
cultural resource data research categories concerning the Spirit Lake
Reservation. These natural and cultural resource categories are water
reserves; soil stability; wildlife habitats; air quality; land use; fish
and aquatic life; traditional horticulture; geologic settings;
hydrologic conditions; archaeological and cultural resources; solid and
hazardous waste generators; noise and animal control; radon, mold, and
brownfields projects; national environmental policy act compliance; and
impacts of wetter climate on the environment.
The Environmental
Coordinator has met with state officials to discuss the ecological state
of Devils Lake proper, and the Sheyenne River along the boundary of the
Spirit Lake Reservation. The Environmental Coordinator has consulted
with North Dakota Historical Society and Department of Transportation
personnel on the accumulated archive of cultural resource sites mapped
and investigated in the past by state officials.
The Assistant
Environmental Coordinator has placed considerable effort into
researching federal and state laws concerning environmental issues as
they relate to the Spirit Lake Reservation.
The program
narrative statement goals have not changed markedly since project
inception. The Spirit Lake Nation Tribal EPA continues to develop
partnerships and agreements to protect all human health, waters, air,
and ecosystems within the tribal boundaries.
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