Renn Tumlison tumlison@holly.hsu.edu
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For release May 9, 1996 Duncan L. Brown 202-208-4133
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE WORKS TO EXPAND RELATIONSHIPS
WITH SOVEREIGN INDIAN NATIONS
As part of the Department of the Interior's ongoing efforts to
carry out the Tribal Self-Governance Act of 1994, the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service has worked with self-governance Tribes
during the last year to inform them of opportunities for expanded
cooperation.
The Tribal Self-Governance Act of 1994 enables Indian Tribes to
negotiate annual funding agreements that allow them to conduct
certain functions ordinarily conducted by Federal personnel.
Although the Service has received various inquiries from self-
governance Tribes concerning the Self-Governance Act, only one
Tribe has begun formal negotiations for an annual funding
agreement. Discussions with the Confederated Salish-Kootenai
Tribes about the National Bison Range in Montana are continuing.
To further the Department's goals for carrying out the Self-
Governance Act, the Service has identified a range of
opportunities for increased Indian Tribal participation,
including everything from fish hatchery operation to endangered
species recovery programs. A list of programs with elements
available for annual funding agreement negotiations will be
published in the Federal Register within the next few weeks.
Annual funding agreements are similar to contracts but allow a
greater involvement in program management and operation than a
contract negotiated for services only. Under such agreements, a
Tribe might assume elements of biological, visitor, or research
services currently performed by Service personnel. Funds
normally associated with the activity would be transferred to the
Tribe for administration. The extent of Tribal involvement
depends on whether the activity is an "inherently Federal"
function or is otherwise appropriate.
Funding agreements require Tribes to follow all Federal rules and
regulations. Ultimate control of Federal programs, facilities,
and property remains with the Service. Other laws, such as the
National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, do not allow
the Service to delegate many of its management authorities to
cities, counties, states, or Indian Tribes. On-the-ground
management at national wildlife refuges would not change in any
major ways under an annual funding agreement.
Service-Tribal negotiations may be open to public participation
and comment by mutual consent. All Service-Tribal agreements
must be sent to Congress for review at least 90 days before they
take effect.
For more information about Service involvement in the Tribal
Self-Governance programs, write to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Office of the Native American Liaison, 1849 C Street,
NW., MS 3012 MIB, Washington, DC 20240.
-FWS-
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