Tribal Forestry

What

We Do

At Santa Clara Pueblo Forestry, we perform a variety of functions designated to promote forest health and resilience. Our projects focus on restoring a fire-damaged watershed, reducing flood risk, and strenghtening long-term ecological and cultural stewardship. This includes hazardous fuels reduction projects, restoration & reforestation, invasive species management, prescribed fire, woodlot operations, logging, and greenhouse construction/utilization for our neighboring Kha’Po Community School.

The devastating impacts of the 2011 Las Conchas fire shapes much of the Santa Clara Pueblo’s forestry work. This fire burned most of the Pueblo’s forested land and destabilized the Santa Clara Canyon watershed, which led to severe erosion, debris flows, and repeated flooding. Since then, the Pueblo has undertaken a coordinated, multi-agency restoration effort centered on forest health, flood mitigation, ecological recovery, and community resilience.

Major Projects

Dredging and levee improvements to increase stream capacity through populated areas
Over $26 million in debris removal from creek channels and former pond sites
Construction of three gabion structures to capture sediment and reduce flood peaks
Mulching and contour felling of dead trees to stabilize high-elevation slopes
Engineering with nature to install 4,000+ log and boulder structures to slow erosion and rebuild channel stability

Strategic Goals

Restore watershed stability and reduce long-term flood risk
Improve forest structure and biodiversity through reforestation and fuels management
Strengthen tribal capacity for land management and emergency response
Protect cultural sites and natural resources central to Santa Clara Pueblo identity
Implement resilience-based planning to adapt to changing wildfire and climate conditions

Partnerships & Collaborative Initiatives

The Rio Chama Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) supports watershed restoration, workforce development, and monitoring
A TFPA Workforce Development Agreement enables tribal-led restoration on adjacent federal lands
Collaborative planning with agencies managing neighboring lands, such as the Valles Caldera National Preserve