The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), a federal agency under the Department of the Interior responsible for managing the development of energy and mineral resources on the nation’s Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), is undertaking a Tribal Cultural Landscapes (TCL) assessment process for California (Morro Bay and Humboldt Bay) and Oregon. The agency is inviting the participation of interested Native Nations. BOEM is currently engaged in planning efforts related to leasing and possible future development of wind energy activities in offshore California and Oregon. Through the TCL assessment, BOEM is seeking to better understand the types and locations of significant archaeological and cultural resources that need to be considered during planning for offshore renewable energy development.
In partnership with the Udall Foundation’s National Center for Environmental Conflict Resolution, BOEM hosted informational webinars in December 2021. You can watch the webinar recording here: 12-16 BOEM TCL Informational Webinar Edited.mp4. The California Energy Commission, BOEM, and Udall Foundation/National Center for Environmental Conflict Resolution’s presentation slides are also attached.
In response to interest and questions, we are planning a follow-up webinar to focus on the experience of the previous TCL study participants from the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, the Makah Tribe, and the Yurok Tribe in developing their individual case studies. There will be opportunities for Q&A and discussion with the speakers. Please join on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, 11:00 – 12:30 Pacific to learn more about the process of conducting a TCL assessment. You can register for the webinar here:
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlf-GrrD0rHtzV7vij2YwWcnFoUYHztekj
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Relevant background information and materials on Tribal Cultural Landscapes are available at these links:
- Characterizing Tribal Cultural Landscapes, Volume I: Project Framework
- Characterizing Tribal Cultural Landscapes Volume II: Tribal Case Studies
- Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde Community of Oregon, Tribal Cultural Landscape Case Study starting at page 1
- Makah Tribe Tribal Cultural Landscape Case Study starting at page 107
- Yurok Tribe Tribal Cultural Landscape Case Study starting at page 129
For more information on the TCL assessment, please visit https://www.boem.gov/sites/default/files/documents/regions/pacific-ocs-region/environmental-science/PC-21-01.pdf. Please contact Monique Mullenaux (mullenaux@udall.gov) with any questions.