Summary

GAO reviewed the administration of forest management activities by the Department of the Interior's Portland Area Office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to follow-up on findings discussed on a report issued on April 9, 1957 (B-114868). In the prior report, GAO found that the assessment against Native Americans of interest on advance payments not contemplated in the original contract was improper and could not subsequently be included under the contract. However, no action has been taken by BIA to recover improper allowances to timber purchasers of interest on advance payments to Native Americans. In addition, GAO found that several fire detection lookout structures at the Yakima, Colville, Warm Springs, and Spokane Reservations were irreparable or in need of major repairs. Several of these structures are unsafe in their present condition. Officials at BIA stated that replacement and repair of unsafe lookout structures are being considered in the fiscal year 1963 appropriation request. Although several of the issues discussed in the prior report have not yet been corrected, improvement has been made in the Bureau's administration of forest management activities in the Portland Area. The Bureau has corrected or has taken steps to correct many of the weaknesses discussed in GAO's prior report.