Task G Findings and Recommendations
5 - Assistance (continued)
G15 Finding
Recommendation Develop SOTA Strategies to equip BIA technical assistance programs. ■ A review should be conducted of necessary funding and training strategies to support the development of technological expertise for BIA to support modern forestry technology applications. ■ Continued BIA technical assistance services needs to be defined and agreed to by both the tribes and the Secretary in the context of Indian self-determination, self- governance and ITARA. ■ Training should be made available to tribes and BIA to advance the application of modern forest products marketing strategies. ■ All BIA forestry technical assistance programs need to be fully staffed and trained to provide the needed guidance to tribes consistent with P.L. 93-638 policies and ITARA authorities (See task C).
BIA technical assistance is below SOTA standards. ■ IFMAT IV found that BIA Forestry has not received the funding or training to provide relevant and emergent technology to provide technical assistance to tribes. ■ Modern marketing techniques are not being offered to tribes. ■ BIA Forestry has not developed expertise necessary to support established technologies such as LIDAR and GIS.
6 - ITARA
G16 Finding
Recommendation The BIA and tribal organizations should be encouraged, and tribal leaders trained on the benefits of ITARA. ■ Provide ITARA/ITAMP training for tribal and BIA entities and provide capacity for tribes to participate in the ITARA Demonstration Project. ■ Require the BIA to conduct a survey to identify the number of tribes that are interested in ITARA and create training to increase tribal understanding of ITARA. ■ Provide grant funding to provide tribes with capacity to participate in the ITARA Demonstration Project.
ITARA/ITAMPs provide the opportunity to manage trust forest lands in a manner very similar to tribal fee forest lands. ■ Tribes are wanting to know more about the
ITARA authority and how to apply. ■ Many BIA officials do not know or understand the ITARA program.
Task Findings and Recommendations 151
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