The Western Apache home: landscape management and failing ecosystems

Abstract

The traditional Western Apache home lies largely within the Madrean Archipelago. The natural resources of the region make up the basis of the Apache home and culture. Profound landscape changes in the region have occurred over the past 150 years. A survey of traditional Western Apache place names documents many of these changes. An analysis of the history and Apache places in the Wheatfields area in southeastern Arizona illustrates the loss of Apache natural resources. Traditional Apache elders attribute the loss of these resources to disrespectful land management practices, resulting in direct harm to Apache communities.

Parent Publication

• Connecting mountain islands and desert seas: Biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II

Citation

Pilsk, Seth; Cassa, Jeanette C. 2005. The Western Apache home: landscape management and failing ecosystems. In: Gottfried, Gerald J.; Gebow, Brooke S.; Eskew, Lane G.; Edminster, Carleton B., comps. Connecting mountain islands and desert seas: biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II. Proc. RMRS-P-36. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: 282-286