San Carlos Apache Tribe finalizes restoration agreement with Forest Service
“The U.S. Forest Service and the San Carlos Apache Tribe have forged an agreement to allow the tribe to take part in large-scale restoration efforts.
It was made official earlier this week at a signing ceremony on the reservation.
The tribe now has the legal authority to contract with the federal government to work on the Apache-Sitgreaves, Coronado and Tonto national forests and adjacent ancestral lands while tapping $24 million in infrastructure funding.
The treatments will include fuels reduction and use prescribed fire to return the landscape to a historical and natural state in a culturally sensitive way while emphasizing clean water, medicinal plants and traditional food sources like acorns, berries and wildlife. Initial projects have already begun.”
This seems like a great idea and much easier than “conservation leasing”.. just sign a contract, figure out the projects, and get them done..
Wonderful decision; long overdue. Congratulations to both governments. These will be critical investments to help with forest maintenance. Again, nicely done!
This makes my heart soar that we are finally listening to our indigenous brothers and sisters’ wisdom. We are in the best company now, and I feel confident that restoration projects will take place with respect to the precious resources and culture that we still have.