The measure of the extent to which standards qualify as ‘state- of-the-art’ (SOTA) is determined by each tribe’s vision for forest management as expressed in their FMP. This can be quite different from the conventional approach of what constitutes SOTA for other land management groups, organizations and departments. Of special note is that IFMAT III
“Our forest is well managed given what we have available [for funding].” —IFMAT IV focus group participant
found when comparing minimum standards for tribal programs with other landowners with different management objectives,
such standards possibly underestimated the unique combination of benefits that were provided by investments in tribal stewardship. IFMAT II and IFMAT III found that third party certifications often do not align well with the unique value of determine if the BIA is fulfilling its trust responsibility to tribes is to identify if tribal goals and their vision for their forest is being met. In focus groups with staff and tribal community members we most frequently heard that tribes are doing what they can with the resources they are provided. Tribes have a holistic way of valuing their forest and the resources it provides, and each tribal entity has unique goals, perspectives, historical context and needs in managing their forest. Following these unique goals should be standards that can continue to support and meet the tribe’s expectation into the future. NIFRMA, passed in 1990, tribal forest management. One fundamental way to reflected the conditions at the time. The challenge for IFMAT IV is to address the tasks in a modern context. More than 3 decades ago, tribal forest management was almost entirely carried out by the BIA with limited exercise of Indian Self- Determination by tribes in management of their trust lands. Many tribes are now directly carrying out forestry programs under self-determination
Jocko Prairie fuels reduction project in northwestern Montana. PHOTO CREDIT: SERRA HOAGLAND
140 Assessment of Indian Forests and Forest Management in the United States
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