Task D Findings and Recommendations
D7 Finding
Recommendation ■ The BIA should identify an independent audit process to evaluate fair market value for forest products for each region. ■ Additional training and tools need to be developed for the timber sale appraisal program. ■ Review the potential of the US Forest Service regional appraisal processes and/or other data to better identify current market stumpage rates. ■ Restore BIA regional and national marketing staff or utilize independent marketing expertise to better identify products coming from timber sales. Recommendation ■ The BIA should identify an independent process to evaluate tribal product values and marketing alternatives for tribes such as the ability to sell delivered logs. ■ Training opportunities should be made available to tribes and the BIA to expose them to industry standards and current marketing strategies. ■ Revise the BIA forestry regulations to provide for delivered log sales without requiring a tribal forestry enterprise. ■ The BIA should identify and work with an independent forest products marketing service to assist in developing opportunities for expanding forest products markets. Recommendation ■ An independent assessment of harvesting costs should be available for tribes to evaluate harvest systems and product values by species, log quality, and transportation cost. ■ Explore the concepts used by the Forest Service and the states in implementing stewardship contracting and processes used in the Good Neighbor Authority to reduce treatment costs.
Tribes lack an independent process to evaluate whether they are receiving fair market value for their forest products.
D8 Finding
Some tribal forest enterprises could receive a higher value for the forest products if appraisals were improved or logs were marketed differently.
D9 Finding
Logging costs on tribal timber sales remain higher than typical sales within the region. ■ Logging costs directly impact stumpage values to the tribe. ■ Bidding logging contracts could be more competitive, resulting in more profits to the tribe. ■ Many tribal loggers are at a disadvantage due to the lack of modern equipment and proper training. ■ Limiting the number of contractors to bid work can increase costs. ■ In many areas logging capacity is limited due to the low number of contractors.
114 Assessment of Indian Forests and Forest Management in the United States
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator