An anonymous benefactor has made a generous donation of $50,000 to the Nez Perce Tribe Biocontrol Center. The Center plans to utilize a large portion of the funds to replace the climate controller along with other upgrades to their greenhouses. The Center is still determining how best to utilize the remainder of the funds. “We are very grateful for this extremely generous gift. It will greatly aid in supporting our mission to help restore traditional hunting and gathering grounds for the Nez Perce People as well as to benefit the larger Inland Northwest community by fighting invasive weeds, which are a widespread problem in our region.”- Levi Pinkham, Coordinator, Nez Perce Biocontrol Center.
The Nez Perce Tribe Biocontrol Center, located in Lapwai, Idaho, is the only tribally owned and operated Biocontrol center in the country and is well-known and respected for the work they do. The Center rears, collects, and distributes biological control agents, primarily insects, to fight invasive and noxious weeds in the Inland Northwest region and beyond. They also provide community outreach and education about the vital role of biocontrol in combating these weeds and restoring ecosystems to better support our native and cultural resources, while also providing employment opportunities for tribal members. The Biocontrol Center was established in 1999, with construction of the Center at its current location completed in 2003. More information about the Biocontrol Center can be found on their website: www.nezpercebiocontrol.com.
The gift was made through the Wisteqn’eemit Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the Nez Perce community through giving and sharing, which will be administering the funds. If you have any concerns or questions please contact Ann McCormack, Board Treasurer, [email protected]/208.790.2229, or Anthony Broncheau, Board Member, [email protected]/208.621.3832.
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