A survey of the condition of Indian forest lands, including health and productivity levels
TASK B
Forest Condition Forestland Acres Among Owners The percent of forestland in tribal ownership is largest in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest (Table B.1). Both commercial and noncommercial trust acres have increased since the first IFMAT assessment (Table B.2). Based on BIA data, commercial forests now represent 53% of Indian forested
Overview This task presents broad overview of the health and productivity of Indian Forests by reviewing land base, growth and yield, forest health and wildfire trends. Based on overall health indicators of growth and mortality, tribal forests remain healthy overall and within the goals of tribal programs. There are issues of concern such as an increasing
number of acres that have high wildfire hazard potential, insect and disease, and the wild horse and burro problem which need to be addressed. Climate change appears to be creating additional risk of more frequent severe windstorms causing major blowdowns in some areas. Precommercial thinning and planting backlogs continue to be an issue in that many acres still need to be addressed.
The IFMAT IV team looks at a wildfire scar and salvage unit that has been replanted during the site visit to the Colville Reservation in northeast Washington. PHOTO CREDIT: VINCENT CORRAO
Task Findings and Recommendations 79
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