CASE STUDY: Overview of Cultural Traditions, Economic Trends, and Key Species in Nontimber Forest Products of the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest encompasses coastal temperate rain forests, oak savannas, and montane Mediterranean forests to the west of the Cascade Range crest and sagebrush desert, grassland steppes, and pine-dominated forests to the east. Diverse topography and climate bring to the region striking contrasts and natural biological richness in the variety of forest and woodland ecosystems. A heritage of federal public lands provides both residents and out-of-state visitors with opportunities to gather nontimber forest products for cultural, personal, and commercial uses. Enduring interest among Indians in the Pacific Northwest for traditional resources and cultural products sustains contemporary uses of many plant,