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Intellectual Merit

This project will benefit Native American college students with applications that incorporate GIS/GPS technology by enhancing the student interaction with STEM programs and research applications both traditional and non-traditional. Rural secondary school teachers and computer technicians who attend workshops provided by TMFS will gain knowledge through hands-on field GIS/GPS activities and classroom settings. Broader Impact North Dakota tribal reservations have an unmet need for research on natural resources, transportation, economic development, zoning, and preservation of traditional landmarks, plants, and history. TMFS will be a resource for tribal communities and their respective agencies through development of knowledgeable GIS technicians who will be prepared to do research within their communities, compile reports and present information. Information gathered through student research projects, workshops and collaborative research projects of schools and businesses will be available on the TMCC website to be appropriately used by tribal, state, federal and private agencies.Summer 20103 participants were supported-2 TMCC students along with one rural secondary science instructor. While in the program they completed a 4 credit course w/lab titled ENVT 115 Fundamentals of Global Positioning System (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS), and completed the ESRI textbook Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: Basics of ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo. The participants did daily research with the NSF TCUP program directed by Dr. Scott Hanson on secondary succession, and invertebrates as indicators of water quality. They also developed trail maps of local hiking trails, and helped to produce posters for the TCUP research projects.Summer Activities 2010 (718 KB PDF)Trail MapsThe trail maps are of the trail systems found within the TMCC Anishinabe Center and the North Dakota Game and Fish WakopaWildlife Management Area.The TMCC Anishinabe Center is located 1 ½ miles north of Belcourt on BIA #7. You can choose to walk the entire path which is just short of 2 miles, or walk portions of the path. The local bike path also goes through the Anishinabe Center adding to the ease of moving through the center.The ND Game and Fish Wakopa WMA trails differ in ease of walking and should be reviewed by first timers into the area. These trails are used by bird watchers, hunters, hikers, and of course a wide assortment of wildlife. A special thanks goes out to Dave VanHorn and Tom Belgarde for guiding us through the trails and helping us to develop the maps for the public.