Task F Findings and Recommendations
F9 Finding
Recommendation As part of the agreements between the tribes and the federal government for self- governance, a requirement to report FMIP accomplishments needs to be included. ■ This needs to be a collaborative effort for all involved in the program. ■ Proper program management can only occur when there is accurate data to work from.
FMIP business processes need clearer policies and procedures and enforcement. ■ With the shifting of programs more towards tribal management, there is a need to review the business process used for the FMIP program under increasing self- governance. ■ Management databases are incomplete due to missing or inaccurate data from both the BIA and tribal programs. ■ Roles and responsibilities for reporting requirements from self-governance tribes are not clear creating a disconnect between ground accomplishments and administrative reports. The IRMP program is struggling with little addition to completed IRMPs. ■ The BIA is no longer actively promoting the IRMP program. Grants are no longer advertised, but tribes can apply through normal Forest Management Project avenues. ■ Based on past analysis, development cost of IRMPs outstripped the funding available and very few plans were completed. ■ Implementation of tribal IRMPs is slow, none in last decade. ■ There is a conflict on including newly acquired lands in the IRMP plan. ■ Tribal public input in the IRMP process is stronger than in the FMP process.
F10 Finding
Recommendation The BIA needs to make a clear statement about the continuation of the program. ■ If the program is to be continued there needs to be a new program model to better fund, develop, and implement IRMPs. ■ IFMAT supports planning integration across all natural resources within an IRMP or FMP.
136 Assessment of Indian Forests and Forest Management in the United States
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator