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Tribal Relations
Tribal interests span multiple forests and often overlap with those of other tribes. Regional efforts are focused on 58 federally recognized, affiliated tribes that have rights and interests in the management of Forest Service lands or programs within the 13 states and Puerto Rico of the Southern Region. The Southern Region also maintains active relationships with numerous inter-tribal organizations, Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and American Indian professional associations. Building mutually beneficial partnerships with Tribal Nations and American Indian organizations promotes a culture of mutual understanding.
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Requirements, Authorities, Obligations
Tribal Nations have a unique legal and political relationship with the government of the United States. The history of federal policies, treaties, statutes, court decisions, and Presidential direction regarding Indian Tribes and tribal rights and interests is extensive.
Forest Service Handbook 1509.13 (usda.gov)
FSM1500-Chapter1560-20160309.pdf (usda.gov)
Tribal Cultural and Heritage Cooperation Authority Technical Guide (usda.gov)
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Opportunities
The Tribal Relations program for the Southern Region supports partnering and collaborative relationships with Tribal Governments and Tribal communities for mutually beneficial outcomes.
Fiscal Year 2024 Region 8 Rollout
USDA Tribal Relations Action Plan
U.S. Forest Service Tribal Relations
Partnership Guide for Tribal Governments
Early Tribal Engagement Guidance NEPA/NFMA and Forest Plan Revision:
- Early Tribal Engagement Guidance
- Guidance Checklist Template Forest Plan Revision
- Guidance Checklist Template NFMA and NEPA EPA/NFMA
Recruiting and Hiring Tribal Relations Positions
Office of Tribal Relations | USDA
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Current Happenings
Tribal Relations staff support integration of Tribal relations issues across all agency program areas.
Rivercane Gathering Home (tribalgis.com)
Bridging the Gap Meeting Home (tribalgis.com)
Tribal Relations Event Calendar | US Forest Service (usda.gov)
Contact Information
Lexie Rue-Harris
Tribal Relations Program, USDA Forest Service Southern Region
lexie.rue-harris@usda.gov