IFMAT-IV Report

TASK C: An evaluation of the staffing patterns of forestry organizations of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and of Indian tribes.

IFMAT I – 1993 II – 2003 III - 2013

Recommendation Implementation Status

Recommendations in Response to Task C Findings Staffing Assist in developing natural resource staffs adequate to plan and implement coordinated resource management programs. Bring staffing levels to parity with National Forests with similar resource management objectives. (Recommendation C1, page V-32)

Staffing levels at both the BIA and tribal programs continue to decline in the forestry program. In the past decade, there has been a significant decline in the number of professional foresters. The need for engineers to support the tribal road programs continues to increase while the staffing levels for all functions are shrinking. Educational programs continue to be developed to promote not only the forestry programs, but the non-forestry programs as well. More needs to be done to introduce tribal students to these programs. This committee has not been developed. However, add-hoc groups have been engaged in developing recruiting and retention programs.

I

Engineering Assist in developing a professional engineering staff to adequately support coordinated resource management. Use National Forest engineering staffing as a guideline. (Recommendation C2, page V-32) I Education Fully fund implementation of the educational programs authorized under the NIFRMA and develop similar programs for non-forestry natural resource programs. (Recommendation C3, page V-32) I

Establish an education committee of selected universities, agencies, and companies to develop, implement and coordinate a comprehensive national plan for recruiting and retaining Indian natural-resource professionals. (Recommendation C5, page V-32) Analyze the condition and effectiveness of education funding programs for tribal forest and natural resource managers, with particular attention to reasons for the deficit in engineering professionals. (IFMAT II Additional - (D), page 19) Perform a study to determine the condition and effectiveness of education-funding programs for tribal forest and natural resource managers. (Recommendation C1, Page 64) A BIA national educational coordinator is needed to pursue programs as envisioned by NIFRMA and to coordinate education programs with the Bureau of Indian Education and all other applicable federal agency programs such as the National Science Foundation and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. (Recommendation CE1, page 137). Implement education programs envisioned by NIFRMA. (Recommendation CE2, page 138)

I

Study has not been initiated.

II

II

A BIA national coordinator has not been hired.

III

Some programs have been implemented, but more work needs to be done to expand scope of these programs. Support has increased some, but not to the levels needed for success.

III

Increased programmatic support and cooperation with tribal colleges is needed by both the BIA and tribes. (Recommendation CE3, page 138)

III

A-40 Assessment of Indian Forests and Forest Management in the United States

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