Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Climate Change Adaptation Plan - Community Survey

Responding to Climate Change

The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe is working on a plan to prepare for the impacts of a changing climate. Lower Brule will likely see an increase in extreme weather and climate events, that could include more frequent flooding, larger snow and ice storms, and an increase in heat waves and drought.

Please share your thoughts and help the Lower Brule community prepare for the future and these changes in the climate. Everyone's input is valuable! The survey should take about 10 - 15 minutes to complete.

For a chance to win a gift card, please complete the survey including the contact information at the end of the survey. Your responses are anonymous and voluntary.

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* 1. What changes in the climate or environment have you noticed in recent years? Please check all that apply.

Warmer temperatures

More frequent or severe storms

Changes in wildlife or plants

More frequent dry conditions or drought

Rising water levels or flooding

Other (please specify)

None of the above

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* 2. How concerned are you about the effects of climate change on the land and natural resources important to the community?

Extremely concerned

Very concerned

Moderately concerned

Slightly concerned

Not at all

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* 3. What worries you most about potential changes to the climate? Please rank the following (1 = most worrisome; 6 = least worrisome). Select N/A if a responses is not applicable.

Flooding

N/A

Extreme heat/Heat waves

N/A

Bigger snow and ice storms

N/A

Drought

N/A

Wildfires

N/A

Severe thunderstorms/tornadoes (e.g., hail and high winds)

N/A

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* 4. Any other worries about the changing climate?

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* 5. Rank the following environmental changes in terms of how much they concern you (1 = most concerning; 5 = least concerning). Select N/A if any of the changes are not applicable.

Loss of traditional plants and animals

N/A

Increased extreme weather events (e.g., floods, droughts, or heat waves)

N/A

Water availability or quality issues

N/A

Changes in seasonal patterns (e.g., planting or harvesting times)

N/A

Damage to culturally significant areas

N/A

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* 6. Have you changed any of the activities (work, personal, or cultural) that you do because of climate change?

Yes

If yes, please explain:

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* 7. Have you or your family experienced any of the following due to changes in the climate and environment? Please select all that apply.

Impacts to farming or ranching

Impacts to housing

Changes in hunting or fishing practices

Increased health issues

Loss of income or financial strain

Impacts or changes to traditional/cultural practices

Other (please specify)

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* 8. What are the most important things for the Tribe to focus on for climate change planning? Please rank the following responses (1 = most important; 7 = least important). Select N/A if any of the changes are not applicable.

Culturally significant plants, animals (including buffalo), and places (including areas of harvesting or gathering)

N/A

Health of the community

N/A

Housing/Infrastructure (including residential and community solar and wind)

N/A

Water (water quality and water availability)

N/A

Agriculture

N/A

Energy sources (wind, solar, oil, and/or gas)

N/A

Education and youth involvement

N/A

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* 9. Other ideas or suggestions?

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* 10. How should the Tribe best prepare for the effects of climate change on our people and culture? Please rank the following responses (1 = most important; 6 = least important). Select N/A if any of the responses are not applicable or appropriate.

Protecting water resources.

N/A

Improve health and safety during extreme events (e.g. upgrading the community center so that it can be a place for people to go when there is a weather emergency).

N/A

Supporting sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty.

N/A

Upgrade infrastructure (e.g., roads, electricity, sewage, internet) in our community to help everyday living.

N/A

Advocating for policy and funding support.

N/A

Preserving traditional knowledge and practices.

N/A

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* 11. Other ideas or suggestions?

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* 12. How should the Tribe make sure our infrastructure (e.g., homes, roads, facilities, utilities, etc.) can withstand climate driven weather extremes? Please rank the answers below in order of importance (1 = most important; 5 = least important). Select N/A if any of the responses are not applicable or appropriate.

Ensure all homes have a reliable source of heat

N/A

Ensure all homes have a reliable source of cooling

N/A

Relocate homes and buildings located in flood zones

N/A

Invest in the quality and upkeep of our roads, bridges, sewer systems, etc. and ensure that there are "rescue routes" throughout the Reservation

N/A

Invest in energy efficient systems and building (e.g., better insulation) and/or sustainable sources of energy (e.g., solar and wind) for Tribal buildings and area homes, and work to ensure new homes built are suitable for the environment.

N/A

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* 13. Please rank the following water uses from most important for the Tribe to focus on to least important in regards to planning for the impacts of climate change (1 = most important; 5 = least important). Select N/A if any of the responses are not applicable or appropriate.

Drinking Water/Domestic Uses

N/A

Irrigation and Livestock Uses

N/A

Plant and Wildlife (including buffalo) Uses

N/A

Cultural Uses

N/A

Wildland Firefighting

N/A

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* 14. How should the Tribe best prepare for the effects of climate change on our lands? Please rank the following responses (1 = most important; 5 = least important). Select N/A if any of the responses are not applicable or appropriate.

Plan for potential impacts to farming and ranching.

N/A

Plan for potential impacts to hunting and fishing.

N/A

Plan for potential impacts to wetlands, streams, lakes, and rivers.

N/A

Plan for potential impacts to plants and wildlife (including buffalo).

N/A

Make a greater effort to ensure tribal food sovereignty (e.g., opportunities for community and individual gardens).

N/A

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* 15. How important is it for the Tribe to pursue alternative/renewable energy development on the reservation? (5 stars = very important; 1 star = not very important)

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* 16. What gives you hope about addressing climate challenges?

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* 17. What specific climate-related challenges do you personally face?

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* 18. Where would you like to see emergency notifications and information for how the Tribe is preparing for impacts from climate change?

Newspaper

Facebook

Tribal Website

Radio

Other (please specify)