Findings and Recommendations Task E Findings and Recommendations
E1 Finding
Recommendation ■ IFMAT IV recommends a review of the current applicability of NIFRMA, given the recent shift toward self-governance by many tribes, to transmit to ITC and Congress. ITC would be in a good position to carry out prior public comment on the need and feasibility for such a review. Recommendation ■ Evaluate the recurring funding formula for its effects and determine if it is still relevant or if it should be modernized, particularly in the light of increased numbers of self- governance tribes and the trend of tribes moving toward stewardship management rather than a primary focus on timber production. Review Sections 105-109 25 CFR Part 1000 relevant to annual funding agreements. Recommendation ■ (Overlap with Task G re) the need for explicit minimum standards for forest management should be explored. New trust evaluation procedures and forms are required that are adjusted for self- governance, recognizing that self- governance tribes are not required to follow all BIA policies, manuals, and handbooks. ■ A special independent commission should conduct a balanced assessment of potential positive and negative impacts for both tribes and the BIA of increased numbers of tribes moving to self- governance. And how has this transition impacted the BIA’s role for providing forestry technical services.
Although NIFRMA is one of the most recently legislated major federal forest policies and the ultimate basis of BIA Forestry rules and regulations, it is over 30 years old and should be reviewed for relevance for current conditions.
E2 Finding
NIFRMA requires recurring funding, but it seems to not always be done.
E3 Finding
There are special concerns/benefits for tribes and BIA in carrying out forest management activities under ITARA and self-governance generally and BIA rules and procedures have lagged the advance of self-governance.
“We may not get the assistance we need from the federal government, but we will find a way to stay here because this is our home.” —IFMAT IV focus group participant
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