Recipient Organization
YUROK TRIBE
190 KLAMATH BLVD
KLAMATH,CA 95548
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
The Yurok Tribe is launching an innovative project to improve food sovereignty and sustainability by addressing food waste on the Yurok Reservation. This initiative will establish two anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities in the remote communities of Weitchpec and Wautec. These facilities will transform food waste into valuable resources, including nutrient-rich compost to support local agriculture and biogas to power irrigation systems in community gardens. By diverting food waste from landfills, the project will reduce environmental pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the costs associated with waste disposal.The project addresses a critical need in these rural areas, where traditional waste management infrastructure is limited, and food insecurity is a significant challenge. Many residents rely on a mix of subsistence living and purchased food, with limited access to fresh produce due to geographic isolation and economic hardship. Compost produced by the AD facilities will improve soil health and enhance food production in the Tribe's Food Villages, spaces dedicated to growing fresh produce and strengthening traditional food systems. The biogas generated will provide a renewable energy source to power well pumps for irrigation, reducing reliance on grid electricity and advancing climate resilience.In addition to waste diversion, the project emphasizes community engagement and education. Workshops, outreach materials, and school programs will teach community members, students, and local businesses about sustainable waste management and the benefits of anaerobic digestion. By fostering awareness and participation, the project will create lasting change, embedding sustainable practices in the community.The Yurok Tribe's Environmental Department will oversee the project, working closely with schools, businesses, and other tribal programs. The initiative will also produce a comprehensive report on its results, serving as a replicable model for other tribal and rural communities facing similar challenges. The project aligns with the Tribe's commitment to environmental stewardship, zero waste goals, and carbon neutrality, contributing to long-term sustainability, food security, and climate action.By the end of the project, the Tribe expects to achieve a 50% reduction in food waste in Weitchpec and Wautec, produce thousands of pounds of compost annually, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative not only addresses immediate waste management needs but also advances broader goals of food sovereignty, environmental justice, and cultural preservation for the Yurok Tribe.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
The overall goal of this project is to increase the organic waste diversion rate of the Yurok Tribe, its and members, and the nearby community through the creation of a food waste diversion pilot program on the Yurok Indian Reservation (YIR). This goal will be accomplished through the development of two anaerobic digester facilities in Weitchpec (ZIP code: 95546) and Wautec (ZIP code: 95546). While the distance between these two villages is less than 20 miles, it takes nearly an hour to drive the narrow, one-lane road. These villages are geographically isolated, with limited access to advanced waste processing technologies and resources. The initial phases of the pilot project will focus on diverting food waste produced locally, with plans on expansion in the future to include other sources, such as businesses in neighboring communities and household collection. Current waste management practices are insufficient, leading to the loss of potential resources like compost and contributing to environmental degradation. The implementation of additional anaerobic digestors is critical to addressing these issues, transforming food waste into valuable resources, and advancing our food sovereignty goals.Overarching Goal: The overarching goal of this project is to enhance food sovereignty and environmental sustainability in the Weitchpec and Wautec Food Villages on the Yurok Reservation by implementing anaerobic digestors for composting and food waste reduction. This initiative aims to transform organic waste into valuable compost, thereby reducing environmental impact, supporting local agriculture, and advancing the well-being of these remote communities.Supporting Objectives: Install Two Anaerobic Digestors: Deploy two additional anaerobic digestors in the Weitchpec and Wautec Food Villages to process organic waste into compost and biogas.Ensure that these facilities are operational within 12 months during the grant period.Reduce Food Waste and Promote Resource Recovery:Achieve a 50% reduction in food waste in the Weitchpec and Wautec communities within two years by diverting organic waste from landfills to the anaerobic digestors.Utilize the compost produced by the digestors to enhance soil health in community gardens, increasing local food production and supporting traditional agricultural practices.Engage and Educate the Community: Conduct community workshops and training sessions focused on the benefits of anaerobic digestion, composting, and sustainable waste management.Involve community members from each location in educational activities and composting initiatives by the end of the project.Monitor and Evaluate Environmental Impact: Establish a monitoring system to track improvements in soil health and other environmental benefits associated with this project.Share results with the community and stakeholders to encourage replication of the project in other remote and rural areas.
Project Methods
Project Methods and Implementation PlanPhase 1: Project Planning and Initial SetupThe project will begin with an initial survey to assess food waste diversion needs and identify interested participants, including schools, businesses, and households. Tribal members, the Yurok Tribal Council, and the Cultural Committee will be engaged to secure necessary approvals and ensure cultural alignment.The Weitchpec and Wautec Food Villages will be finalized as pilot locations. Site preparation will include ground leveling, installation of cement pads, and electrical upgrades. Bear-proof food waste collection bins will be placed near schools and businesses. Two EcoRich Bio Digester 100 units and biogas engines will be purchased, installed, and connected to well pumphouses, enabling efficient biogas use for irrigation.Phase 2: Food Waste Collection and ProcessingA food waste collection program will be established for schools, businesses, and community members. Bear-proof bins and a Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) will enable the transport of waste to anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities. The digestors will process food waste into nutrient-rich compost and biogas. Metrics such as the volume of waste processed, compost produced, and biogas generated will be tracked.Compost will be distributed to community gardens and orchards, improving soil health and increasing food production. Biogas will be converted into electricity to power irrigation systems at the Klamath Food Village, reducing reliance on grid power.Phase 3: Community Education and OutreachEducation and outreach efforts will engage the community in sustainable practices. Workshops and training sessions will focus on composting, anaerobic digestion, and waste management. Educational materials such as posters, videos, and signage will raise awareness.Schools will incorporate food waste education into their curriculum and host tours of the AD facilities. Community members will participate in composting initiatives, fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility.Phase 4: Monitoring, Evaluation, and ReportingKey performance metrics, such as food waste diverted, compost produced, and greenhouse gas emissions reduced, will be tracked and analyzed. Soil health improvements and agricultural productivity will also be monitored.Quarterly reports will document project progress, successes, and challenges. A final evaluation report will summarize outcomes, lessons learned, and recommendations for replication. Opportunities for expansion will be identified, with results shared with other tribal nations through partnerships such as the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP).Phase 5: Long-Term SustainabilityThe project is designed for long-term impact. Yurok Tribal Environmental Department (YTEP) staff will be trained to operate and maintain the digestors, ensuring their functionality. Community members will gain knowledge and tools to sustain waste diversion practices.Economic benefits, such as reduced landfill costs and the replacement of chemical fertilizers with compost, will support long-term sustainability. Surplus compost sales will be explored to generate additional revenue.The project aligns with the Yurok Tribe's Food Sovereignty Program, zero waste goals, and California's environmental initiatives, such as AB 1826 and the 30x30 plan. This alignment will strengthen collaboration opportunities and ensure continued funding and support.Through these phases, the project will create a replicable model for sustainable food waste management while advancing food sovereignty, environmental justice, and climate resilience for the Yurok Tribe.?Evaluation MethodologyOverview: The evaluation plan is structured to incorporate relevant indicators from the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP) to effectively measure the success of the project's objectives and deliverables. The selected indicators align with the specific tasks and outcomes of the project, ensuring comprehensive monitoring and reporting.Task 1: Establish Anaerobic Digestor Facilities and a Food Waste Diversion Program Formalize Program Interest Evaluation Activity: Assess community interest in food waste diversion.OUAIP Indicators:3.6 Number of community surveys completed3.7 Number of partnerships developed due to project activitiesMilestone: Complete assessment by May 2025Verifiable Indicator: A report detailing areas with interest in food waste diversion and established partnerships.Finalize Pilot Program Location Evaluation Activity: monitor the approval process for site selection and finalize locations within the Yurok ReservationOUAIP Indicators:3.4 Number of feasibility studies completed3.10 Number of local government policies identified as barriers to project activitiesMilestone: Obtain necessary approvals by May 2025.Verifiable Indicator: Approval documents from the Yurok Tribal Council and Cultural CommitteeSite Development Evaluation Activity: Monitor site preparation activities and infrastructure installation.OUAIP Indicators:5.1 Number of soil health assessments or tests conducted5.10 Number of impermeable surfaces eliminated (meters squared)Milestone: Complete site development by August 2025Verifiable Indicator: Site preparation competition report, including soil assessments and documentation of site improvements.Obtain and Install Necessary Equipment Evaluation Activity: Track the acquisition and installation of anaerobic digestors.OUAIP Indicators:4.6 Amount of food waste used for anaerobic digestion (lbs.)4.9 Amount of compost produced (lbs.)Milestone: Fully functional anaerobic digestor facilities by December 2025Verifiable Indicator: Installation completion report and operational verification.Task 2: Create Food Waste Collection Services to Increase Food Waste Diversion Train Staff Evaluation Activity: Assess staff training completion and readiness to operate the digestors.OUAIP Indicators: 6.1 Number of individuals receiving job training or mentorship6.2 Number of individuals educated on food waste reductionMilestone: Train staff by December 2025.Verifiable Indicator: Training completion certificates and staff readiness assessment report.Create Educational Programs and Outreach Material Evaluation Activity: Monitor participation in educational programs and outreach events.OUAIP Indicators: 6.3 Number of students educated on agricultural knowledge skills6.10 Number of educational materials distributedMilestone: Implement educational programs by December 2025Verifiable Indicator: Attendance records for educational events and distribution of educational materialsBegin Food Waste Collection Evaluation Activity: Measure the quantity of food waste diverted from landfills through the collection services.OUAIP Indicators: 4.1 Amount of food waste diverted from landfills (lbs.)4.5 Amount of food waste used for composting (lbs.)Milestone: Starte food waste collection by January 2026.Verifiable Indicator: Weight logs documenting the amount of food waste collected and compostedTaske 3: Demonstrate Replicable Successes of Anaerobic Digestor Program Program Sustainability and Expansion Evaluation Activity: Analyze data to identify areas for future program expansion.OUAIP Indicators: 2.2 Number of existing agricultural operations that expanded because of project activitiesMilestone: Ongoing assessment throughout the project.Verifiable Indicator: Expansion feasibility report and documentation of lessons learned.Report Program Successes and Challenges Evaluation Activity: Compile data and create a comprehensive report summarizing program outcomes.OUAIP Indicators: 2.13 Amount of income from sale of compost (USD)2.6 Cost savings resulting from project activities (USD)Milestone: Complete the final report by February 2026.Verifiable Indicator: Publish final report shared with stakeholders including financial impact data.