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<br />98 <br /> <br />2474 invaluable information concerning resource impacts. This information is complementary to <br />2475 conventional methods and it helps to provide assessments of the full range of important <br />2476 qualities of the resource, <br />2477 Because the values associated with traditional places are known and understood by <br />2478 tribal individuals, the GCMRC recognizes that Native Americans are the most appropriate <br />2479 authorities to formulate project work plans and programs that address their concerns about <br />2480 dam related impacts to these resources. Consequently, tribal groups may design, propose, <br />2481 and implement resource monitoring programs to evaluate the condition of their traditional <br />2482 cultural places and resources within the ecosystem. These resources are not included within <br />2483 the P A program but are other significant traditional resources to tribes. Projects to study <br />2484 these resources are initiated by the tribal groups and submitted to the GCMRC for support <br />2485 based on the activity areas described in the long-term and annual plans. These projects will <br />2486 provide the GCMRC with a different perspective on resource conditions and impacts. <br />2487 Because of the sensitive nature of these places, specific guidelines are being developed <br />2488 between the tribes and the GCMRC concerning information about resource significance and <br />2489 locations. Some examples of tribally initiated projects may include GIS mapping projects <br />2490 and locational studies, historical documentation and research, traditional analysis of <br />2491 resources, and traditional histories as they relate to dam operations. <br />2492 Finally, projects that propose integrative and/or alternative investigative studies are <br />2493 encouraged by the GCMRC. These projects may investigate resources that have cultural <br />2494 values to Native Americans but are outside western notions of cultural resources. One <br />2495 example of this type of resource is a sacred plant gathering area that has important cultural <br />2496 values to a particular group but may appear as a biological resource from a western <br />2497 perspective. In addition, the GCMRC is interested in projects that incorporate traditional <br />2498 methods with conventional scientific methods to formulate new investigative methods and <br />2499 insights that reflect Native American perspectives and complement a conventional scientific <br />2500 approach, <br />2501 <br /> <br />November S, 1998 <br />Second Draft - Do Not Cite, Pbotocopy, or Distribute <br />