13. Is there an implementation plan? ITC leads implementation efforts. IFMAT will assist as requested with the implementation efforts of ITC. ITC followed up on most of IFMAT III recommendations. See Appendix.
and writing timelines considering COVID-19. Participating tribes will receive a mailed report. ITC generally provides copies of the IFMAT report at the Timber Symposium immediately following assessment completion.
3. IFMAT TASKS
their compatibility with applicable tribal integrated resource management plans and their ability to meet tribal needs and priorities (Sessions). G. An evaluation of the feasibility and desirability of establishing minimum standards against which the adequacy of the forestry programs of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in fulfilling its trust responsibility to Indian tribes can be measured (Hoagland). H. A recommendation of any reforms and increased funding levels necessary to bring Indian forest land management programs to a state-of-the-art condition (Gordon). I. An evaluation of tribal risk and adaptation related to climate change (Leighton). J. An assessment of how Indian forests fit into the general scheme of landscape ecology and restoration (Hoagland). K. An assessment of institutional capability, staff, equipment, facilities, and organizational components necessary to support landscape scale management (Corrao). IFMAT IV defines a state-of-the-art (SOTA) Indian forest management program as having the funding, staff, training, infrastructure, methods, technologies, and access to research and marketing support to maintain Indian forest land in a perpetually productive state consistent with tribal values and vision and that the application of those brings Indian forests to the current and future on-the-ground conditions in terms of stocking, resilience, and productivity, consistent with tribal goals. ■ Gather planning documents that will brief IFMAT members on the natural resource situation (See Section 8 - IFMAT checklist of requested documents). ■ Lay the groundwork for the focus groups. ■ Discussion on surveys. The pre-visit will take place prior to the virtual and (when possible) onsite visits. See section 5 for a visit template.
The National Indian Forest Resource Management Act of 1990 (PL 101-630) created the independent review process that is IFMAT and directed the team to address eight tasks (A-H below). Additionally, the Intertribal Timber Council has asked IFMAT IV to look at 3 additional tasks (I-K). The purpose of the IFMAT site visit to your tribe/agency is to gather data relevant to answering these tasks at a national level by giving us insight to your context, operations, funding, and staffing. Core team facilitators name in parentheses at the end of each task. A. An in-depth analysis of management practices on, and the level of funding for, specific Indian forest land compared with similar Federal and private forest lands (Sessions). B. A survey of the condition of Indian forest lands, including health and productivity levels (Sessions). C. An evaluation of the staffing patterns of forestry organizations of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and of Indian tribes (Leighton). D. An evaluation of procedures employed in timber sales administration, including preparation, field supervision, and accountability for proceeds (Corrao). E. An analysis of the potential for reducing or eliminating relevant administrative procedures, rules, and policies of the Bureau of Indian Affairs consistent with the Federal trust responsibility, and recent laws such as the Indian Trust Asset Reform Act (ITARA) (Gordon). F. A comprehensive review of the adequacy of Indian forest land management plans, including
4. THE PRE-VISIT
Prior to the site visit, the IFMAT Program Manager will contact the tribal liaison identified in the tribe’s acceptance letter. The purpose of the pre-visit is to: ■ Identify COVID-19 guidance from the tribe (including lodging, transportation, meals) ■ Identify key tribal departments/members to visit. ■ Develop the agenda for the site visit. ■ Identify key natural resources issues that will guide IFMAT in selecting specialists for the site visit.
Appendix ix — IFMAT IV Site Visit Handbook A-73
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