Skip to main content

Tribes ask protection for sacred trees

 

Members of Shoshone tribes in Nevada are looking for National Monument status to protect a grove of Rocky Mountain junipers that has both historical and spiritual significance for them.

The trees, commonly called swamp cedars, but known in Shoshone as Bahsahwahbee, are currently protected by a recent Nevada law that bans cutting them without a permit, a less secure protection than the Federal status.

In the Spring Valley, between Ely, Nevada and Great Basin National Park, an unusual confluence of soil and water have allowed the trees to flourish there, and to serve as a center for tribal people to celebrate and pray.

Because of that role as a gathering place, the valley also became the site of three 19th century massacres by settlers, in 1859, 1863 and 1897. Tribal members see the trees as a living connection to the people who were killed. The site was accepted by the National Park Service in 2017 as a 'traditional cultural property,' but without the protection the new designation would give.

The best part of every trip is realizing that it has upset your expectations

Add Comment

Comments (0)

Post
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×