Natural & Cultural Resource Protection Program

Case Study Natural and Cultural Resource Protection and Preservation Program (NCRP3) Del Norte County, CA

Resillience Delivered

In addition to the NCRP3 Plan deliverables, the Tidal Basin team discovered the following during the analysis of existing literature and interviews with stakeholders and the beneficial outcomes obtained through the planning process.

Obstacle

Discovery

Regulations/guidance applicable to heritage protection and preservation are not widely known within the emergency management community. Similarly, emergency management practices are not widely known by cultural stewards and heritage owners. Local historical documents included timelines / historical references that did not reflect the perspectives of diverse populations. Many local government officials did not have a good understanding of tribal jurisdictions, including the differences between ancestral territory, trust land, and fee land.

The planning endeavor significantly strengthened relationships between these groups – groups that previously had little interaction.

The first comprehensive timeline and historical narrative were developed that included input from many subcultures within the jurisdiction. Officials became educated on tribal areas of responsibility and gained an understanding of tribal sovereignty and the need for collaboration during disaster response affecting tribal assets. “ While we have yet to implement all elements of the 2023 NCRP3 Plan, Del Norte County treasured the opportunity to work with and learn from our tribal partners on its development, and we are looking forward to continued shared efforts for the protection of natural and cultural resources in its implementation.”

Deborah Otenburg, Emergency Services Manager, Del Norte County Office of Emergency Services

Del Norte OES is currently recruiting for its NCRP3 Response Team. Recruits will receive training in response protocols and procedures, including the safe documentation, transport, and storage of heritage items, as well as actions that can be taken for site stabilization and mitigation of cascading damages.

To read the NCRP3 Disaster Plan, scan the code or visit www.preparedelnorte.com/ emergency-preparedness-4-the-arts-e

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