Michaela Tuell: Nurturing Tribal Forests for Future Generations

For Michaela Tuell, a forester with Northwest Management, forestry is not just about trees—it’s about legacy, balance, and sustainability. Her vision is to create forests that thrive not only for their economic value but for their ability to support recreation, biodiversity, and cultural traditions.

“Forests are more than just timber,” Michaela says. “They provide habitat, beauty, and a connection to the land that’s deeper than people realize.”

As a member of the Nez Perce Tribe, Michaela has a personal and professional mission to ensure tribal forests are managed in ways that honor their historical and ecological significance. She believes that forestry should be an act of stewardship, one that preserves both natural resources and cultural traditions for generations to come.

Her work goes beyond managing forests for today—it’s about ensuring the next generation of tribal members can continue to hunt, gather, and sustain their way of life in landscapes that have nurtured them for thousands of years.

Passion: A Lifelong Connection to the Land

Michaela’s love for the outdoors began in childhood. Growing up on the Nez Perce Reservation and spending time in the forests of Idaho, she developed a deep appreciation for the land. Her family’s traditions—hunting, fishing, gathering berries, and simply being in nature—instilled in her a responsibility to protect these spaces.

“I just knew I wanted to be outside,” she recalls. “Forestry wasn’t something I always knew about, but once I found it, I realized it was the perfect fit.”

In college, she discovered the many facets of forestry, from timber production to wildlife conservation. The idea that forests could be managed for more than just harvesting—for health, aesthetics, and habitat preservation—resonated deeply.

“I wanted to make sure forests stayed healthy, not just for economic reasons, but so people could enjoy them the way I did growing up,” she explains.

Action: Bringing Indigenous Values to Forestry Management

At Northwest Management, Michaela works on forestry projects that balance conservation, sustainability, and economic viability. She spends her days both in the field and in the office, creating management plans that ensure forests remain healthy and productive for multiple uses.

One of her most impactful projects involves helping tribal nations manage their lands to better support traditional food sources like huckleberries and elk habitat. By carefully thinning forests, improving soil conditions, and preserving critical areas, she ensures that these lands continue to sustain Indigenous practices.

“Tribal forests are different,” she explains. “They are sacred, places of prayer, gathering, and tradition. Managing them isn’t just about cutting trees—it’s about ensuring they remain places of cultural connection.”

Using GIS and mapping technology, Michaela works to document these landscapes, identifying areas that need restoration or protection. Her work ensures that decisions about land management are driven by data, tradition, and a commitment to Indigenous sovereignty.

Tenacity: Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry

Michaela’s journey in forestry has not been without obstacles. Forestry has long been a male-dominated field, and as a young Native woman, she had to prove herself in an industry that often overlooked voices like hers.

“I started as a seasonal worker, out in the field every day, just proving I could do the job,” she says. “It was tough, but I knew that if I kept showing up and putting in the work, I could make a real impact.”

Early on, she faced the challenge of working on projects where tribal lands weren’t included in official mapping systems. She saw firsthand how the lack of proper data led to Indigenous lands being excluded from wildfire response plans and conservation efforts. Determined to change this, she advocated for better mapping practices and worked to ensure tribal lands were properly documented and managed.

She has also had to navigate the challenges of fieldwork—long days in extreme weather, working in remote locations, and the physical demands of forestry. But each challenge has only strengthened her commitment to making a difference in the industry.

Humility: Learning from Mentors and the Land

Michaela credits much of her success to the mentorship of experienced foresters who took the time to teach her the nuances of the job. She spent countless hours in the truck with her mentors, discussing land management, problem-solving, and refining her skills.

“Forestry isn’t something you learn in a classroom—it’s something you learn by doing,” she says. “Having people willing to bring me along, answer my questions, and show me the ropes has been invaluable.”

Beyond learning from mentors, she also sees the land itself as a teacher. Being out in the forests, observing the natural rhythms of growth, decay, and regeneration, has given her a deep respect for the complexity of ecosystems.

“You realize how small you are in the grand scheme of things,” she says. “Forests will outlast us all, but how we manage them now determines what they’ll look like for future generations.”

Impact: Shaping the Future of Tribal Forestry

Michaela’s work is already making a significant impact. By bringing modern forestry techniques together with Indigenous knowledge, she is helping tribal nations take greater control over their land management decisions.

Her current projects include:

• Developing timber management plans that balance conservation with economic needs.

• Using GIS to map and protect culturally significant sites.

• Creating wildlife-friendly forestry plans that enhance habitat for species important to Indigenous communities.

• Training the next generation of tribal foresters, ensuring that more Native youth see forestry as a viable career path.

She hopes to continue expanding her role, eventually mentoring younger professionals and advocating for stronger policies that recognize the unique needs of tribal forests.

“If I can help even one tribe better manage their forests in a way that protects their traditions and sustains their people, then I know I’ve done something worthwhile,” she says.

A Call to Action: Supporting Sustainable Tribal Forestry

Michaela encourages everyone to rethink forestry—not as an industry of destruction, but as an essential tool for sustainability and stewardship.

“The biggest action people can take is educating themselves,” she says. “Forestry isn’t just about cutting down trees—it’s about managing the land so that it stays healthy for future generations.”

She urges people to support tribal-led conservation efforts, advocate for sustainable land management policies, and simply spend more time in nature to appreciate the value of forests beyond their economic benefits.

To learn more about the work being done in tribal forestry, follow organizations like Northwest Management and Indigenous-led conservation groups that are shaping the future of land stewardship.

Michaela Tuell’s journey is proof that forestry is more than a profession—it’s a lifelong commitment to protecting the places that nourish both people and cultures. Through her dedication, she is ensuring that forests remain places of healing, tradition, and sustainability—for generations to come.