The latest report from the Indian Forest Management Assessment Team says wildfire and forestry programs at the Bureau of Indian Affairs remain chronically underfunded. The BIA needs another $100 million and another 800 employees to ensure tribal and Indian forest lands are protected, the 2013 report said. Currently, the agency only sets aside $154 million for the programs. The report was discussed at a Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing on Wednesday. Tribal witnesses said adequate funding will help prevent future wildfires and boost tribal economies that depend on forestry. The hearing lasted about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Audio can be found on the Indianz.Com SoundCloud. Get the Story:
More forestry funding needed on Indian lands, tribal leader says (The Yakima Herald-Republic 5/15) Committee Notice:
Oversight Hearing on "Wildfires and Forest Management: Prevention is Preservation" (May 14, 2014)
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Audio for Senate Indian Affairs Committee
hearing on wildfires (5/14)Witness list for Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing on fires (5/13)
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