The Road to Recovery

How the Tribe’s Land and Resources Team is Honoring Resilience Through Recovered Wood from the Milepost 97 Fire

In the wake of the devastating Milepost 97 Fire, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, Land and Resources Team has turned loss into legacy by collecting and milling incense cedar from the burn site. This recovered wood now tells a powerful story of resilience, restoration, and stewardship through a newly installed feature wall in the Land & Resources conference room at Village Station near downtown Roseburg.

The installation serves as a tribute to the Tribe’s ongoing efforts to manage, protect, and restore its homelands. Similar installations honoring fire recovery and land stewardship have been placed in the North Building reception area and the Tribal Board Room at the Government Office, reinforcing the Tribe’s deep commitment to caring for its ancestral lands.

Beyond the Tribe’s own buildings, some of the salvaged wood was also provided for use in the Portland International Airport remodel (as mentioned in previous editions of this newsletter), further extending the story of renewal and sustainability beyond Tribal lands. This initiative not only showcases the Tribe’s  resourcefulness but also strengthens its legacy of responsible land management and environmental stewardship.

Land and Resources Officer Jason Robison said: “This project is more than just a visual tribute; it stands as a lasting symbol of the Tribe’s dedication to sustainable land management, honoring the past while forging a stronger future for generations to come.”