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Nez Perce National Historical ParkDouglas Fir Forest along the Lolo Trail
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Nez Perce National Historical Park
Trees and Shrubs

The traditional homeland of the Nimiipuu are marked with distinctive elevation zones of vegetation. Douglas-fir is the dominant conifer below the subalpine zone in many areas, while mountain hemlock dominates others. Below this, western redcedar and western hemlock dominate, but Douglas-fir, western white pine, western larch, and ponderosa pine are also found. Lodgepole pine and grasses dominate in the basin-and-ranges. Tree species were used for tepee poles, canoes, fires, and a wide variety of other needs by the Nimiipuu.

Original art work by Roy Anderson depicting Lewis and Clark meeting the Nez Perce for the first time.  

Did You Know?
In September of 1805 Lewis and Clark crossed into Nez Perce country. A debate ensued among the Nez Perce. Should they assist these strangers or attack them? A female Nez Perce elder, Wetxuuwíis (Wet-k'hoo-wees)urged her people to do them no harm. Her words were heeded; the expedition was welcomed.

Last Updated: July 25, 2006 at 00:22 EST