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This web page is provided as a service to tribes. Information is compiled from many sources. The information and opinions from sources other than the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Service. For additions or corrections to tribal "Tracks" news contact: contact Ivy Allen, Phone: 303-236-4575, Email: Ivy_Allen@fws.gov

Dear Tribal Leader:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has received five independent peer reviews on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) grizzly bear population proposed delisting rule. The peer reviewers were selected by an outside, third-party contractor based on their technical grizzly bear expertise. We have also received the necessary protective measures finalized by the States of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming to manage human-caused mortality of grizzly bears in the ecosystem post-delisting.

In light of this new information, the Service is fulfilling its commitment to public participation, transparency, and the best-available science by reopening the comment period for 30 days to seek public input on the proposed delisting rule. The proposed rule, peer reviews and state protective measures are posted online at https://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/es/grizzlyBear.php.

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Letter and Draft Policy (795 KB PDF)

Greetings Tribal Leaders,

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will publish a new draft Native American Policy (Policy) in the Federal Register (FR) tomorrowon August 3, 2015, for a 30-day public comment period.  To view a copy of the FR Notice, please see the email attachment. Once the notice is published (tomorrow) you can view the notice online at the following link: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/html/FR/todays_toc.html.

Together, the Service and a team of Tribal representatives from around the country worked the last two years to update this policy, which was originally issued in 1994.  In November of 2014, the Service initiated nationwide government-to-government consultation with all federally-recognized Tribes on an early working draft of the Policy.  The final draft Policy to be published in the Federal Register includes Tribal input from this consultation period combined with internal Service review comments.

To view a copy of the published draft Policy - see the attachment or please visit the following link: http://www.fws.gov/policy/draft510fw1.pdf

The Service invites continued Tribal consultation and will accept written Tribal comments on the final draft Policy through September 2, 2015.   Please send or email your written comments to:    

Scott Aikin
National Native American Programs Coordinator
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
911 NE 11th Avenue
Portland, Oregon  97232
Email:  scott_aikin@fws.gov

Further updates and refinements to the Policy will be informed by input provided during the public review process and continued Tribal consultation.  If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact the Service’s National Native American Programs Coordinator, Scott Aikin, (360) 604-2531, scott_aikin@fws.gov, or Native American Policy Team Leader/Native American Policy Analyst, Marlene Zichlinsky, (202) 257-9156, marlene_zichlinsky@fws.gov.

Credit: USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeking Input on Proposed Native American Policy Update

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) wants to know what you think about its draft Revised Native American Policy (NAP) with today’s publication of the Notice of Availability in the Federal Register.

The Service, federally recognized Tribes, and Native Alaskans have spent more than two years working on revising the policy trying to outline steps needed to meet the challenges in conserving the nation’s wildlife, it’s habitat, and natural resources.

News Release

Credit: USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks Tribal Input on Listing Status of the Yellowstone Grizzly Bear

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is in the early stages of considering the Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing status of the Yellowstone grizzly bear. While we recently reached out to tribes near the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), we did not initially appreciate the breadth of historical, cultural, and spiritual connection some tribes outside that area have with the grizzly bear and the GYE. As a result, we at the Service are redoubling our efforts to engage our valued tribal partners who may be interested in government-to-government consultation on this matter.

Bulletin | Letter

Wolf, eagle, and trout. Credit: USFWS.

View Eagle Summit Information

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers Indian Tribes one of our most important partners to achieving our mission and priorities.

Tribes manage a significant portion of available wildlife habitat in the United States. It is clear that Tribes have established themselves as reliable natural resources managers and leaders, with an impressive record of success. Equally, we recognize these lands and rights represent long standing ancestral fishing,gathering and hunting grounds and other places with deep cultural and religious meaning. It is important to recognize the special relationship that the Service has with Tribal governments.

We want to ensure that our employees, managers and the public understand that Tribes are not to be treated as though they are alike, or just another stakeholder. Tribes are sovereign governments. Each Tribe has its own unique set of needs, concerns, and interests. Our relationship with tribes extends into perpetuity and is grounded on openness and understanding, patience and flexibility, as well as an appreciation and acceptance that there are no linear solutions or cookbook answers.