Task A Findings and Recommendations
A5 Finding
Recommendation Fully fund the recurring program to reduce the reliance on special project funds. ■ Adjust the balance between recurring funding and non-recurring forestry funding
The forestry workforce capacity is being eroded due to an imbalance between recurring funding and non-recurring funding as well as no adjustments for inflation. ■ Programs are relying more on non-recurring funding to cover fixed costs of operations. ■ Projects requiring the use of non-recurring funding are being delayed or cancelled due to the reallocation of funds. Due to continuing resolutions and agency delays, appropriated funding is arriving too late in the year to efficiently implement forestry practices increasing costs, reducing effectiveness, and jeopardizing forest sustainability. ■ Many projects are time sensitive and must be funded accordingly to ensure success. ■ Lack of Contracting and Awarding officials are persistent problems delaying fund distribution (Task C). ■ HR delays severely restrict building capacity when funding arrives. Except for wildlife wardens, there is limited law enforcement on Indian forest lands needed to protect the resources from abuse and trespass. ■ Additional law enforcement funding and staffing is needed to increase monitoring of the removal of forest resources. ■ The Forest Service receives $0.83 per acre for law enforcement. ■ If the entire BIA Wildlife and Fish recurring budget was applied to funding of wildlife wardens, it would amount to $0.27 per forest acre.
to fully fund the forestry workforce. ■ Adjust annual federal funding to recognize inflation.
A6 Finding
Recommendation Develop mechanisms to provide bridge funding and increase workflow efficiency. ■ Provide opportunities to carry over year- end funding to allow the funding of projects at beginning of the fiscal year. ■ Increase BIA Forestry Contracting and Awarding capacity and Office of Self- Governance capacity (Task C).
A7 Finding
Recommendation Provide adequate funding for law enforcement (trespass) on Indian forest lands.
■ An additional $3-5 million per year would bring potential funding for law enforcement to one-half to two-thirds of the per-acre funding level on National Forests.
“You can’t put a price tag on the forest.” —IFMAT IV focus group participant
Task Findings and Recommendations 77
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