Department of Agricultural & Natural Resources
To preserve and instill generational stewardship
Our mission is to preserve and instill generational stewardship. We work with community members who carry traditional ecological knowledge that better informs the work we do with our water, animal, plant, mineral, and forest resources.
The information and insight that we collect from community members is incorporated into a method of work performed and influences the outcome by demonstrating cultural inclusion. This approach is key in preserving our cultural knowledge. It in turn informs the next generation of scientists working in the landscape.
With each new year, the bar is raised on what we can attain through dedication and hard work. Our staff members remain focused on strategic goals that drive their work. We address unforeseen daily challenges with a smile. Our team is committed to providing exceptional services to the Cherokee community.
Cooperative Extension
The North Carolina Cooperative Extension is an educational partnership helping people put research-based knowledge to work for economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and an improved quality of life. The Cooperative Extension is your direct access to North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University, along with all UNC School System Extension participants, and the National Network of Extension Programs, including Indian Country Extension Programs. We strive to do the following:
- Enhance agriculture, forest, and food systems.
- Develop responsible youth.
- Strengthen and sustain families.
- Conserve and improve the environment and natural resources.
- Build quality communities.
- Preserve and protect Cherokee culture.
Natural Resources
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ Natural Resources program’s mission is to protect, conserve, and enhance Tribal natural resources for the benefit of the Cherokee community.
Today, the program works to integrate cultural values with modern scientific initiatives in order to effectively manage natural resources valuable to the Cherokee people. Departmental staff includes management, biological and physical scientists, technicians, and administrative personnel (28 full-time employees). We work hard to maintain healthy fish, wildlife, and plant populations, manage forest and aquatic habitats, protect Tribal air and water quality, assist community members with regulatory processes, promote natural resource-related recreational and subsistence opportunities, and provide educational services to the Cherokee people.
We strive to implement effective natural resource management strategies, based on sound science and strong partnerships that meet diverse objectives, both within and outside today’s trust land holdings.
Renewable Energy
The development of the Renewable Energy department is currently on hold as the Tribe realigns financial priorities through Fiscal Year 2019. In 2017, the EBCI was awarded a Department of Energy Grant to construct a 700-kWh solar photovoltaic array at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel.
Fish & Wildlife
The priority for the Fish & Wildlife department is to establish a complete and comprehensive economic development plan. The Tribe entered into a contract with a firm to assess local and regional food chain supply dynamics for opportunities of continued and/or new investment. This agriculture economic development plan first focuses on surveying within the Cherokee community for areas of interest, barriers of entry to a market, current activity such as crops grown or livestock raised, and needs to enhance one’s operation.