H.R. 3444: Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act of 2025

This bill is known as the **Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act of 2025**. It aims to enhance the role of Tribal governments in managing federal lands, particularly in forestry, through the establishment of Tribal Co-Management Plans and agreements with Indian Tribes for certain activities conducted by the Forest Service. Here are the key elements of the bill:

Tribal Co-Management Plans

Federal land management agencies, such as the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service, are required to develop and implement Tribal Co-Management Plans. Specifically:

• These plans must be created within one year of the bill's enactment.
• The plans will address various activities and services that the agencies provide on lands that are significant to Indian Tribes.
• If a similar plan already exists, it needs to be adopted and updated within 120 days to minimize administrative burdens on Indian Tribes.

Training for Federal Employees

The Secretary of the Interior will ensure that employees involved in these plans receive training on:

• Incorporating indigenous knowledge and practices.
• Understanding the historical contexts of the areas they work in.
• Recognizing the trust relationship between the U.S. and Indian Tribes.

Agreements with Indian Tribes

The bill grants the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to enter into agreements with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations for various Forest Service activities. Key points include:

• At least five agreements must be made within four years of the bill's enactment.
• Agreements will focus on activities identified as beneficial for National Forest lands, which need these activities for their management, restoration, or service.
• Tribal organizations may also receive payments to carry out activities under these agreements.

Evaluation of Agreement Requests

When assessing proposals from Indian Tribes for these agreements, the Secretary must consider:

• The expected impact on other Indian Tribes.
• Existing rights and permits of Indian Tribes and other entities on the proposed lands.

Periodic Reviews and Reporting

Agreements will be reviewed at least every five years. Additionally, progress reports on the activities under these agreements are required to be submitted to Congress every three years.

Funding and Financial Considerations

The bill authorizes appropriations of up to $50 million for carrying out its provisions from 2026 to 2030. It also aims to minimize the reporting burdens on Indian Tribes receiving funding from these agreements.

Indigenous Knowledge Integration

The bill emphasizes the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge into decision-making related to forestry activities and protecting the integrity of this knowledge.

Federal Employee Status

During activities conducted under the agreements, employees of Indian Tribes will be considered employees of the Forest Service for purposes related to the Federal Tort Claims Act, providing them certain legal protections.

Exceptions and Limitations

The bill clarifies that it does not alter existing rights of Indian Tribes, neither does it limit their ability to enter into other agreements concerning National Forest lands.

Relevant Companies

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