Research Brief: Raphaela Buzbee, Graduate Student

Raphaela’s ongoing research investigates how recent dam removals on the Klamath River in Northern California affect or alter riparian vegetation and the quality of basketry materials for Karuk cultural practitioners. 

Karuk basket weavers use sandbar willow stems as foundation materials (warp) and willow roots are widely used as twining elements (weft) in many different kinds of baskets. Physical and hydrological changes to the Klamath River have altered the dynamic processes that create and maintain sandbars and channel margins where willows grow. These alterations have subsequently influenced the quality and availability of willow basketry materials. 

As a student contractor with the US Geological Survey, and in collaboration with the Karuk Department of Natural Resources, Raphaela’s research will fill information gaps of interest to the Karuk Tribe on sandbar willow including quantity, quality and access for gathering. The results of this collaborative research will be used to plan, implement and improve ongoing environmental stewardship by the Karuk Department of Natural Resources.