As a Navajo-owned company, ETD, Inc. takes pride in providing Environmental Assessment (EA) and Tribal Public Engagement services for projects that directly benefit the Navajo people and their land. Under contract with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Navajo Regional Office, ETD, Inc. led the District 14 Grazing Fencing Project, which involved installing 128.74 miles of fencing across five grazing units within the Navajo Nation to manage livestock grazing and protect valuable rangeland resources.
Cultural Significance of Livestock to Navajo People
Livestock holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Navajo people, symbolizing wealth, sustenance, and connection to the land. Sheep, horses, and cattle have long played a central role in Navajo livelihoods, and the management of these animals reflects a broader philosophy of harmony with the natural world. For generations, livestock has not only been a source of food and income but also a way to maintain traditions and pass down knowledge to future generations.
Recognizing this cultural importance, ETD, Inc. worked closely with local grazing permit holders and Navajo chapters to ensure that the fencing project respected both the practical and spiritual aspects of livestock management. The installation of the fencing helps balance traditional livestock practices with modern land management, ensuring that overgrazing, soil erosion, and other land degradation issues are mitigated. This effort helps protect the land, which is sacred to the Navajo people, while preserving the role of livestock in Navajo culture.
Addressing Range Management Challenges
Range management is a persistent issue across the Navajo Nation, with over-grazing, feral horses, and deteriorating rangeland conditions creating environmental challenges. The District 14 Grazing Fencing Project aimed to implement sustainable practices to prevent further damage to the land. The fencing allows for better control of livestock movements, helping to manage grazing pressure and protect critical rangeland and water resources.
ETD, Inc. conducted a NEPA-compliant environmental impact analysis, evaluating the effects on land, water, biotic, cultural, and socio-economic resources. This analysis ensured that the project balanced environmental protections with the cultural significance of the land. Our work also involved close coordination with the Navajo Nation Heritage & Historic Preservation Department for Section 106 compliance and biological evaluations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA).
Community Engagement and Collaboration
Tribal public engagement was a key component of the project. ETD, Inc. organized and facilitated public meetings with local grazing permit holders and Navajo Nation chapters, ensuring strong tribal engagement and support. By fostering open dialogue, we worked to build consensus within the community, respecting the voices of those directly impacted by the project.
The District 14 Grazing Fencing Project is a clear example of ETD, Inc.’s commitment to both environmental compliance and cultural preservation. As the Navajo Nation continues to navigate challenges in land and resource management, projects like this play a vital role in ensuring that traditions, livelihoods, and the land itself are safeguarded for future generations.
For more information on our Environmental Assessment and Tribal Public Engagement services, and how ETD, Inc. can support your land management projects, contact us today!