Janet Brashler is a forest archeologist with the USDA Forest Service, specializing in prehistoric Native American sites in the Eastern United States. She holds an undergraduate degree in anthropology from Northwestern University, a master's in anthropology from Michigan State University, and a Ph.D. from the same institution. Brashler has taught college for seven years and has worked for the Forest Service for almost eight years. Her research interests focus on the adaptation and coping of prehistoric North American Indians, particularly in the Eastern United States. She has conducted extensive research on Michigan Indians dating from about 700 AD to about AD 1200 and has been involved in recording close to 200-250 prehistoric Indian sites within the boundary of the Monongahela National Forest. Brashler's work also delves into the relationship between prehistoric populations and their environment, examining settlement patterns, resource extraction, and the impact of environmental factors on the lifestyle of prehistoric Native American populations.

Scope and Content Note
This interview with Janet Brashler delves into various aspects of her research and professional experiences as a forest archeologist. The discussion opens with an exploration of prehistoric Native American sites in the Eastern United States, focusing on the adaptation and coping strategies employed by these populations. Brashler shares insights into the movement patterns of prehistoric communities and the challenges faced in studying archeological sites within acidic soils. A significant portion of the interview is dedicated to examining the impact of floods on these sites, highlighting the broader implications of natural disasters on the preservation of archeological resources. Janet addresses the role of human activities, such as clear cutting and strip mining, in exacerbating the effects of flooding. She emphasizes the importance of wise forest management practices in mitigating flood impacts, particularly within the context of the Monongahela National Forest area. She discusses the tendency of people to seek explanations for natural disasters, including attributing blame to land management practices. Throughout the interview, Brashler advocates for a nuanced understanding of the relationship between human activities, natural disasters, and the preservation of cultural heritage, underscoring the complexity of managing non-renewable archeological resources in the face of environmental challenges.