Tribal Relations
The mission of the Southwestern Region Tribal Relations Program is to:
- Provide Tribes equal opportunity and access to Forest Service programs.
- Eliminate barriers to Tribal participation.
- Improve overall knowledge of Tribe and Tribal cultures.
- Develop partnerships and accomplish common goals in accordance with the
Forest Service mission, the National Tribal implementation team report, and
Regional priorities.
The Region consults and works directly with 43 sovereign Native American
Tribes located in Arizona and New Mexico and an additional 9 tribes from surrounding
states who have interest in our activities principally due to location of aboriginal
lands. Tribes are engaged with the Southwestern Region in virtually every aspect
of land management from fuels reduction to preservation of sacred sites. Their
ancient cultures, traditions, and knowledge which help define the American
Southwest also assist the agency in making effective land and resource management
decisions that conserve the environment for generations to come.
National Forest Systems land in the Southwest shares 637 miles of common
boundary with Tribal lands in Arizona and New Mexico or nearly
one-third of all FS shared boundary with tribes (see map below).
The total land area of reservations and federal non-reservation trust lands
in Arizona and New Mexico is an unprecedented 20% of the combined states land
area.
Tribes in Arizona and New Mexico represent nearly 5 percent
of the combined States' population; 5 times the presence of Native Americans
within the total U.S. population.
Coincidence Boundaries Forest Service/Indian
Lands
(Click on image for larger view)
Coincidence Boundaries in Arizona - 524 miles
Coincidence Boundaries in New Mexico - 313 miles
Occupancy & Use of Forest Lands
Exclusive use of Forest Service lands by Tribe for traditional and cultural purposes.
FSM 1563.7 - Voluntary Closures. Forest Service units shall
respond in a timely manner to tribal requests for voluntary closures of specific
areas for tribal traditional cultural uses. When considering such requests,
FS line officers should consult with appropriate tribal officials and traditional
leaders regarding the need for appropriate signing, educational material, alternative
locations, and scheduling. See FSH
1509.13 for guidelines on voluntary closures.
Legal guidance:
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