Researchers work with tribes to ensure wind farm projects don't disrupt sunken burial grounds

University of Rhode Island researchers are working with Native Americans to ensure that energy companies hoping to erect massive wind turbines off New England don't inadvertently disturb the tribes' sunken ceremonial sites and burial grounds.

The Narragansett Indian tribe lived in areas that now lie under water off the southern New England coast. It's a clean energy frontier that could help stave off climactic changes not unlike those that chased the native peoples inland thousands of years ago.

It's a concern for energy companies as they move forward with offshore wind projects meant to be environmentally friendly. They must not only ensure they are not harming the fish, birds and sea creatures that live there now, but they must also safeguard the Native Americans' land.