TASK B (continued)
IFMAT I – 1993 II – 2003 III - 2013
Recommendation Implementation Status
Recommendations in Response to Task B Findings
Silvicultural Practices (continued)
Design future silvicultural prescriptions to recreate and maintain stand structural elements that have grown scarce in recent times. (Recommendation B5, page V-26) Continue to focus on implementing sound, state-of-the- art silviculture in response to the challenges of multiple- use management and current/emerging issues in Indian Country. (Recommendation B2, page 111) Exercise the entire silvicultural toolbox to address these challenges and meet the objectives of the tribe, including the expanded use of prescribed fire and chemicals where appropriate. (Recommendation B3, page 111)
Expansion of the silvicultural certification training has helped in advancing this concept. Forest plans have not kept pace with current and emerging issues such as climate change and carbon sequestration (Task F). Hazardous fuel reduction backlog persists. Tribes in the West are increasingly experimenting with herbicides due to fire recovery challenges. BIA needs to advocate for use of prescribed fire and address issues relating to approval of burn plans. ITARA provides opportunity for tribal approval of prescribed burn plans. Other than hazardous fuels treatments, non-commercial harvesting has not advanced due to staffing and funding constraints. BIA has financed firewood processing equipment and some tribes require delivery of non- merchantable biomass to roadside for firewood gatherers.
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Firewood and other non-timber forest product harvesting should be better integrated into commercial forestry operations. (Recommendation B5, page 61)
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Road Management
Improve the state of the road system and integrate road management with protecting streams and watersheds. (See “Comparative Analysis of Management Practices and Funding” for more discussion). (Recommendation B7, page V-27) Continue the relocation, improvement, and maintenance of necessary road systems to protect watersheds and, where possible, regulate access to preserve road integrity, reduce fire ignitions and trespasses, and minimize the spread of exotic/invasive plants and animals. (Recommendation B7, page 111)
Roads continue to need improvements. Funding is lacking on Bureau and tribal roads.
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2019 BIA study identifies road backlog at $1.33 billon.
Many forest roads are not on the BIA road system eligible for maintenance funding due to requirement to be open to the public.
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A-38 Assessment of Indian Forests and Forest Management in the United States
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