GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
for
Nez Perce National Historical Park
and
Big Hole National Battlefield

MUSSELSHELL MEADOW

Musselshell Meadow is in the Clearwater National Forest 10 miles east of Weippe, Idaho, on Forest Road 100. The Nez Perce name Sew'issnime (Sa-w'ees-ne-ma), meaning mussel and tributary, or Musselshell Meadow drainage. The federally owned site is managed by the Forest Service, and there is a cooperative agreement between the Forest Service and the National Park Service regarding the management of this site. For thousands of years this area has been a traditional gathering place where the Nez Perce harvested camas roots. There has been little disturbance, so visual integrity is high. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visitors walk a short trail to a wayside exhibit that looks out onto the meadow. Although there is a Forest Service facility on the other side of the meadow, visitors can still get a feel for what a wild camas meadow is like. Good wildlife viewing is also available. Most of the vicinity is forested and is used for forest products and recreation.
Map of site

 MANAGEMENT ISSUES

  • This remote site is difficult to find.

  • The Forest Service plans a number of interpretive projects including a watchable wildlife trailhead and marking the west end of the Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail over the Bitterroot Mountains.

  • There is potential for inappropriate development.

 ACTION PLAN

  • The Park Service will continue working with the Forest Service on interpretation for this and nearby projects.

  • In cooperation with the Forest Service and the Nez Perce Tribe, the meadow and scene will be maintained in a natural setting.

  • Traditional uses will be documented and continued.


http://www.nps.gov/nepe/gmp8-22.htm
Last Updated: 12-Nov-1999 ÿ