The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) announced Monday a 10-year extension of the Indian Trust Asset Reform Act (ITARA) Demonstration Project, a program that allows participating tribes to exercise greater authority over the management of forest trust lands and surface leasing activities.
The extension, which runs through June 22, 2036, continues a federal initiative designed to give tribes more control over the management of their trust assets while reducing federal oversight and bureaucracy.
Under the program, tribes engaged in forest land management or surface leasing on trust lands may develop an Indian Trust Asset Management Plan. Approved plans allow tribes to establish their own forestry and surface leasing regulations and assume certain approval authorities that would otherwise remain with the Department of the Interior.
“Recognizing that tribal leaders understand the values and needs of their communities better than federal officials in Washington, D.C., the Trump administration continues to empower tribal communities to manage their own lands,” said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland (Navajo). “This program advances tribal sovereignty and gives tribal communities a greater say in how they manage their forest resources.”
By extending the demonstration project for another decade, tribes will have additional time to apply for participation and develop the capacity needed to take advantage of the authorities available through the initiative.
The Department of the Interior said tribes participating in the project have demonstrated significant leadership in managing trust forest lands and that many tribal nations have expressed interest in exercising greater authority over the stewardship of their forest resources
Officials said the extension reflects the department’s continued support for tribal self-governance and recognition of tribal expertise in managing forest trust assets.
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