Tribal Relations
The Forest Service recognizes American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians as people with distinct cultures and traditional values. The Forest Service strives to be in the top tier of federal land managing agencies in partnering appropriately and collaboratively with American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal governments and communities for mutually beneficial outcomes.
Forest Service policy in general states that the Forest Service will:
- Maintain a governmental relationship with federally recognized tribal governments;
- Implement our programs and activities honoring tribal rights and fulfill legally mandated trust responsibilities;
- Administer programs and activities to address and be sensitive to traditional religious beliefs and practices; and
- Provide research, transfer of technology, and technical assistance to Tribes.
In every region, station, area, and in the Washington Office, Tribal Relations staff advises leadership and support integration of Tribal relations issues across program areas. These personnel collaborate with other Federal agencies, Tribal governments, inter-Tribal entities, and other partners to develop and implement programs, and leverage funds and expertise for programs or projects. Forest-level Tribal program managers and other personnel in various Forest Service units play important roles in accomplishing Tribal Relations goals.
Throughout the agency, line officers are responsible for cultivating and maintaining government-to-government relationships in
Cultural Resources on Federal Land are PROTECTED BY LAW
Cultural Resources on Federal Land are PROTECTED BY LAWcompliance with all applicable laws, regulations, Executive Orders, and agency policy. Whether in the Washington Office, the Regional Offices, at National Forests, Research Stations, or other units, the relationships with Tribes that Forest Service personnel build, maintain, and enhance make a difference.