Environmental Department

To safeguard the health of the Tule River Reservation community, through enhancement and protection of the natural environment and natural resources.

Tule River Indian Tribe of California

Water Quality Management Program

Water quality sampling and analysis along the South Fork Tule River watershed is conducted annually, with a focus on the community area to monitor for swimming safety. Watershed restoration and enhancement activities are conducted to enhance and preserve the water quality and river health. These projects include riparian restoration, spring development (for livestock diversion from streams), road and drainage stabilization to reduce sedimentation and bacteria runoff, and hazardous and solid waste removal from riparian areas.

Archaelogical Resource Protection Program

We work consistently with Tribal management and outside agencies in a combined effort to protect and preserve Traditional Yokuts archaeological resources on and off of the Reservation. We are active in responding to, and providing consultation for, Section 106 and AB52 compliance, NAGPRA-related issues and repatriation efforts as applicable. We currently have one full-time Tribal Archaeological Monitor on staff.

Geographic Information System

GIS digital mapping and data analysis has been a useful tool for Resource management, including forest management, archaeological protection, fire and fuels management and watershed management. It is also used for community planning, development and emergency response activities

Outreach and Information

Getting involved with our community is an important aspect of the Environmental Department. We communicate through our program newsletters and have hosted events such as River Clean up, Roadside Clean up, Youth Environmental Campout and support the Tribal Youth Council’s recycling initiative. We are active in Summer Youth resource education initiatives upon request, as well as community outreach events such as Drought & Emergency Response, Water Conservation and Earth Day.

Solid Waste Disposal and Waste Reduction program
At the community solid waste transfer station we promote waste reduction with the recycling of glass, plastic, cardboard, office paper and newspaper. We promote proper waste disposal of various hazardous waste items that should not be deposited into landfills. The Tribal community plays an active role in recycling as we provide amenities for waste reduction at community events, gatherings, and various government offices.

Grant Writing & Management

The Environmental Department consistently seeks and manages grants, and is largely supported by funds through Federal and State agencies such as, but not limited to: the Environmental Protection Agency, Natural Resource Conservation Service, the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and Bureau of Indian Affairs

Department Staff At this time, the Environmental Department is staffed 100% by Tule River Tribal members, including: Department Director, Kerri Vera Department Assistant, Kaelin Manuel Transfer Station Attendant, Jimmy Manuel Tribal Archaeological Monitor, Felix Christman Transfer Station Attendant, Neil Peyron II

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Please contact.

Kerri Vera – Director
Department of Environmental Protection
Tule River Tribe

POB 589, Porterville CA 93258
559/783-8892 or 559/783-9984
email(1): tuleriverenv@yahoo.com
email(2): kerri.vera@tulerivertribe-nsn.gov

Tule River Indian
Tribe of California

340 N Reservation Rd
Porterville, CA 93257

Phone: (559) 781-4271
Fax Number: (559) 781-4610

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