forest assets. Also, in terms of fire recovery actions, BIA seems to be understaffed and underfunded in providing BAER (Burned Area Emergency Response) assistance, as evidenced by delay in providing funds. BIA should review BAER and BAR (Burned Area Rehabilitation) funding and treatments. How does the BIA identify funds and the activities, for example, tree planting? Timber Sales Log sort sales can improve marketability of timber, capturing uplift in revenue and creating tribal employment. Tribes often establish tribal enterprises to accomplish this but tribes without enterprises are handicapped in doing it by BIA rules slanted toward stumpage sales. Paid permits offer flexibility and timeliness for small harvests. However, the stumpage value limitation of $25,000 which may be harvested by an individual or entity in a fiscal year severely restricts commercial harvest operations under paid permits. The $25,000 value limitation was established when the current 25 CFR forestry regulations were issued over 25 years ago. With inflation today’s value would be closer to $45,000. There should be a mechanism for the BIA and tribes to adjust the rate, in a more flexible way to make this work effectively.
a coordinator for the tribes in technical support as suggested in IFMAT I. A number of tribes expressed interest in participating in the ITARA Demonstration Project but lack the capacity to develop an application to participate and prepare an ITAMP to carryout forestry operations under tribal authority. Under self-governance program regulations, planning and negotiation grants are made available to help tribes meet costs to complete the required processes to participate in the self-governance program.
More BIA technical and financial support would be helpful in assisting tribes move toward self-governance. Some tribes are not able to utilize or pursue project funding because they lack the capacity to develop project proposals and administer the additional projects. The trend towards nonrecurring funding prioritizes funding that aligns best with ephemeral Agency agendas rather than tribal priorities and values. This practice of funding supports federal domination and restricts the development of self-determination.
Funding Self- governance Tribes
The DOI/BIA retains funds, that otherwise would be available to self-governance tribes, to provide federal capacity for performing the functions now accomplished by ITARA tribes. BIA could be
Penobscot tribal forestry staff discussing a recent commercial harvest in Maine. PHOTO CREDIT: VINCENT CORRAO
Task Findings and Recommendations 155
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