Anthrop. pap. 

 NO, 78] 



EASTERN CHEROKEE GROUPS — KUPFERER 



237 



As a result of forest management on a sustained-yield basis, the 

 timber stands have improved. The forest is of the moist-soil type. 

 Of the hardwoods, oak and hickory predominate. The native conif- 

 erous trees are pine and hemlock; the balsam, red spruce, and Norway 

 pine were introduced by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's. 



The regrowth estimate is 2 million feet a year. Consequently, 

 annual cutting is limited to this amount. Cutting permits are given 

 contingent upon the possession of cuttable timber; each such permit 

 allows the removal of 2,000 feet. However, in hardship cases excep- 

 tions are made, and in the case of large landholders, permits can be 

 issued in the name of different family members. For instance, the 

 largest landholder has had as much as 9,000 feet cut in a year. 



Logging is not very rewarding, for the average value of 2,000 feet 

 was only $80 in 1960. Of this, the owner must pay a stumpage fee of 

 10 percent of the selHng price to the tribe. Should the owner not have 

 the means to snake out the logs, he must pay to have it done. Ulti- 

 mately the owner may realize as little as $40 annually from liis timber. 

 Timbering regulations, which include the exclusion of stock from 

 wooded land, are a source of irritation to many. 



The tourist industry is an important element in the economic base 

 of Cherokee. Aside from the profits which accrue to owners of busi- 

 nesses, many are employed as waitresses, sales personnel, and motel 

 maids. 



In order to operate a business of any sort on the reservation the 

 owner must hold a trader's license for which there is no charge. White 

 business operators who are not married to a tribal member must pro- 

 cure a lease that is individually negotiated. The length of the lease 

 depends upon the size of the given investment. During the period 

 between 1950 and 1960 there was a trend away from White lessees. 

 At the time this information was acquired, there were no White-oper- 

 ated motels. Despite this trend a close look at the licenses issued 



Table 4. — Trading licenses of Indians^ 



Blood degrees 



Per- 

 cent 



2/64-3%4---- 

 3>/64-*%4---- 

 */64-«%4---- 

 6/64-«%4---- 



Total 



45.46 



12.72 

 3.63 

 7.29 



14.55 

 3.63 



12.72 



100. 00 



' Data secured from Agency Office, July 1960. 

 747-014—66 16 



