Ojibwas in northern Wisconsin hope to preserve their wild rice traditions for future generations but face several threats.

One is the declining harvest. Half of the wild rice has disappeared over the past century, mostly due to roads, dams, logging and mining activities, according to tribal biologists.

Another threat is the fewer number of young people who are taking part in harvesting. Pete McGeshick and his cousin Roger McGeshick Sr. remember rice camps as fun and exciting times and are documenting the tradition so future generations won't forget.

Genetic research poses another problem. Tribes say modified versions of rice could contaminate wild rice and destroy it.

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A fight to save the tradition of wild rice (The Christian Science Monitor 10/13)