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119-hr-3444119th Congress

Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2]

In Committee

Summary

This bill creates a national framework to expand tribal co-management of federal forest lands and authorizes agreements that let Indian Tribes carry out specified Forest Service activities. It requires agency planning, staff training, protections for Indigenous knowledge, and funding to support Tribal participation.

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  • Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations can propose and enter agreements to perform Forest Service activities on National Forest System lands tied to their history or culture. The Secretary must aim to implement at least 5 agreements over the first 4 years and can provide annual or semiannual payments.
  • Federal land management agencies must adopt or develop Tribal Co-Management Plans within 1 year and train employees to incorporate Indigenous knowledge and Tribal history into planning and operations.
  • Agreements lasting 5 years or more require a review in the fifth year and every 5 years after, with faster review options following natural disasters. Tribal employees carrying out covered activities are treated like Forest Service employees for liability under the Federal Tort Claims Act, and activities under the section are exempt from the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

*Authorizes $50.0 million in appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, increasing federal spending authority to support Tribal co-management.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Tribal agreements to manage national forests

If enacted, the Forest Service could sign agreements with Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations to do forest and grassland work on national forests tied to the Tribe. Work would include planning, restoration, recreation, heritage, and research, and must follow land plans and laws. The Secretary would enter at least five agreements in the first four years. Limits would apply: no nondelegable functions, no reliance on State funds, and no conflict with existing stewardship contracts. The bill also defines key terms so Tribes and the agency use the same rules.

Tribal co-management plans and training

If enacted, each federal land agency would have to create a Tribal Co-Management Plan within one year. If a similar plan already exists, the agency would adopt it within 120 days and update it to cut Tribal paperwork. Plans would list needed activities, follow land plans and laws, and focus on lands tied to the Tribe. The Interior Department would also train staff who work on these plans in Indigenous knowledge, local Tribal history, and the federal trust duty.

Fair process, Tribal knowledge, and reviews

If enacted, Tribes seeking an agreement would submit a proposal that lists each activity and the national forest lands involved. The Forest Service would publish a non‑exhaustive list of eligible activities within one year and update it every three years. The agency would weigh effects on other Tribes and existing rights, may use a best‑value test, and give extra weight to Tribal ties and skills. If the agency denies a request, it must send reasons and a technical‑help plan within 90 days. The agency would consult to use Indigenous knowledge when Tribes ask, protect Tribal data, and try to reduce reporting. Long agreements (5+ years) would be reviewed in year five and every five years after, with an offer to modify or end. After a natural disaster on covered lands, a Tribe could request changes within 90 days, and the Secretary must respond within 60 days.

Funding, payments, and protections for agreements

If enacted, Congress would authorize $50 million for FY2026–FY2030 to support these agreements, and the funds would stay available until spent. Tribes could choose annual or semi‑annual payments. Payments would first use unobligated funds for the activity, then use the authorized funds if needed. Indian Self‑Determination transfer rules would apply to Agriculture for these deals. Agreements would not follow the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Tribal employees doing this work would be treated as Forest Service employees for Federal Tort Claims Act coverage while on the job.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2]

CA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]

    NM • D

    Sponsored 5/15/2025

  • Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]

    CO • D

    Sponsored 5/15/2025

  • Rep. Hoyle, Val T. [D-OR-4]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 5/15/2025

  • Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3]

    AZ • D

    Sponsored 5/15/2025

  • Rep. Dexter, Maxine [D-OR-3]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 5/15/2025

  • Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3]

    MD • D

    Sponsored 5/15/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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