Who Knows?

Summary

Non-timber forest product (NTFP) literature frequently laments the absence of an information base for policy and management decisions. While formal scientific data on the biological and social ecologies of most NTFPs are limited to nonexistent, long-time gatherers often have extensive experiential knowledge bases. Researchers and m anagers may overlook this expertise because of assumptions about the nature of knowledge and the identity of individuals who possess valuable inform ation. These assumptions are explored and contrasted to the concept of local knowledge. A case study of gatherers in Michigan's Upper Peninsula found that many possess extensive knowledge of the products they harvest and observe stewardship practices to assure their sustained av ailability. The paper is illustrated by descriptions of four gatherers and concludes with recommendations for incorporating the local knowledges of individuals from a variety of cultures into policy, research, and management.

Key Words:

• Non-timber forest products
• local knowledge
• sustainable use
• Michigan