NAFWS works on a wide variety of Tribal fish and wildlife issues. Some of our current project focuses include: Chronic Wasting Disease, Alaska Tribal Climate Resilience, Tribal Involvement in State Wildlife Action Plans, and Invasive Species Management.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a highly contagious neurological disease that affects deer, elk, reindeer, sika deer, and moose. CWD can be detrimental to food security, cultural and spiritual practices, and economic well-being. Surveillance on Tribal lands is crucial for managing the impacts and spread.

In partnership with the Alaska Climate Adaptation and Science Center‘s (AK CASC) Alaska Tribal Resilience Learning Network (AK TRLN), NAFWS is working to support Alaska Native Tribes to address management and adaptation needs as they adapt to the current and future impacts of climate change.

State Wildlife Action Plans identified 12,000 species of greatest conservation need and estimated that $1.3 billion dollars is needed annually to implement the plans. However, in most states, there is a lack of Tribal engagement in the development and implementation of these plans.

Invasive species impact Tribes on a multitude of levels from environmental to cultural and every step in between. The prevention, monitoring, and management of invasive species is critical to protecting Tribal lands, foods, medicines, and culture.