&EPA

United States
Environmental Protection
Agency

EPA-851-B-24-Q01 | December 2Q24

Tribal Water and
Matural Resources
Conservation Guide

Federal Funding and
Technical Assistance for
Tribal Environmental Programs

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Disclaimer

This document serves as a guide to connect Tribes with federal sources of financial and
technical assistance for natural resources protection efforts. Mention of, or referral to,
non-U.S. Environmental Protection Agency programs, products or services, and/or links
to non-EPA sites, does not imply official EPA endorsement of, or responsibility for, the
opinions, ideas, data or products presented therein, or guarantee the validity of the
information provided. Mention of programs, products or services on non-EPA websites
is provided solely as a pointer to information on topics related to environmental
protection that may be useful to the intended audience.

Cover Photo: Drone view of the McCloud River in Northern California
[Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide

Acknowledgments

EPA thanks the federal workgroup members, Tribal workgroup members and other contributors who
provided valuable input, suggestions and feedback for this guide.

Federal Team Members

Federal Emergency Management Agency: Josh Human

National Aeronautics and Space Administration: Amber Jean McCullum

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Becky Cruz Lizama, Heather Sagar

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Colonel Xander Bullock, Quana Higgins

U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs: Brenda Hatathlie, John Mosley, Michael Whitehead

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation: Kristine Reed

U.S. Department of Agriculture: Josiah Griffin, Pedro Torres

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Andy Bessler, Margot Buckelew, Pat Childers,

Steve Epting, Larry Maurin
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Jill Cohen
U.S. Forest Service: Rachael Novak
U.S. Geological Survey: Joel Galloway

Tribal Team Members

Poarch Band of Creek Indians: Christopher Head
Santa Ana Pueblo: Tammy Montoya
Summit Lake Paiute Tribe: James Simmons
Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (AquinnahJ: Beckie Finn

Other Contributors

Bishop Paiute Tribe: Brian Adkins, Brianda Hernandez Rosales
Colvilie Tribes: Mitra Aflatooni, Kathy Moses
Fort Peck Tribes: Wilfred Lambert

Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians: Sharri Venno, Susan Young
La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians: Rob Roy
Nez Perce Tribe: Aaron Miles
Oneida Nation: Jim Snitgen

Upper Snake River Tribes Foundation: Scott Hauser

U.S. Department of Agriculture: Audre Etsitty

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Abigail Cruz, Abby Hall

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: DJ Monette

Winnemem Wintu Tribe: Dressa Drake, Mark Miyoshi

Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council: Edda Mutter

Yurok Tribe: Louisa McCovey

This report was developed under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency contract #68HERC22A0021.


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide

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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide

Contents

Disclaimer

Acknowledgments	i

Acronyms	v

Foreword	vii

Message from the National Tribal Water Council	vii

Message from the Federal Water Subcabinet Tribal Team	viii

1.	Introduction	1

Scope and How to Use This Guide	3

2.	Federal Financial Assistance to Support Tribal Conservation Work	5

Types of Federal Financial Assistance	5

Steps to Finding and Managing Federal Grants	7

Federal Funding Program Inventory Overview	9

Tribal-Specific Federal Funding Programs	9

3.	Federal Technical Assistance to Support Tribal Conservation Work	13

Types of Technical Assistance	13

Agency-Specific Technical Assistance Resources	15

4.	Conservation Topic Areas	19

Introduction	19

Conservation Topic Areas	19

Conservation Topic Featured Elements	20

Protecting and Restoring Waters	21

Tribal Case Study: Bishop Paiute Tribes	23

Protecting Air Quality	27

Tribal Case Study: Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation	30

Protecting Wildlife and Habitat	33

Tribal Case Study: Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians	36

Preparing for Climate Change and Natural Hazards	40

Tribal Case Study: Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes: 	44


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
Contents

Stewarding Lands	48

Tribal Case Study: La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians	53

Supporting and Engaging Tribal Communities	58

Tribal Case Study: Upper Snake River Tribal Foundation	61

5. Looking to the Future	65

Endnotes	67

Tables

Table 2-1. Tribal-specific federal funding assistance programs, which include Tribe-only

programs or programs with dedicated Tribal set-aside funds	10

Table 3-1. Federal technical assistance programs available only to Tribal applicants	15

Table 3-2. Federal technical assistance programs open to Tribal applicants and others	16


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide

Acronyms

BIA

U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs

CAA

Clean Air Act

CFPB

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

CWA

Clean Water Act

DOE

U.S. Department of Energy

DOT

U.S. Department of Transportation

EPA

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

FEMA

Federal Emergency Management Agency

FHWA

Federal Highway Administration

FSA

Farm Service Agency

FWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

NASA

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NCA5

Fifth National Climate Assessment

NIST

National Institute of Standards and Technology

NOAA

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NPS

National Park Service

NRCS

Natural Resources Conservation Service

PHMSA

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

TAS

Treatment in a Similar Manner as a State

USACE

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

USBR

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

USDA

U.S. Department of Agriculture

USFS

U.S. Forest Service

USGS

U.S. Geological Survey


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide

Foreword

Message from the National Tribal Water Council

Greetings from the National Tribal Water Council* Welcome to the Tribal Water and Natural Resources
Conservation Guide, which the National Tribal Water Council believes will be a valuable resource for Tribal
Nations.

Our Tribal Nations' strength stems from their inherent authority in choosing how to protect their air,
land, people and water. Access to specific information and technical assistance is essential when making
these decisions. Using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Tribal Water and Natural Resources
Conservation Guide, Tribes will receive financial and technical assistance in developing and managing their
own environmental protection programs. The guide offers Tribes with an extensive list or "inventory" of
federal funding opportunities and technical assistance in six key conservation areas: air, climate change and
other natural hazards, communities, lands, water, wildlife and habitat.

Finding the right funding opportunity is critical for Tribes in addressing their conservation and
environmental needs and priorities. The guide helps Tribes achieve their goals by connecting them to
federal funding sources that support program capacity, provide additional leveraging opportunities and
build partnerships. It can also assist Tribes with program decisions by providing "Tips from Tribes," in which
Tribes share their knowledge of how to effectively plan for, secure and manage federal funding to maximize
program success.

The National Tribal Water Council sees the guide as a valuable resource for Tribes facing current and future
environmental and conservation challenges. It will provide innovative scientific and technical support to
Tribes that are starting or have recently started an environmental program, as well as Tribes that have
already established strong regulatory programs. Most importantly, it empowers Tribes to make sovereign
decisions about their own environmental self-determination.

'National Tribal Water Council is a technical and scientific body created to
assist the EPA, federally recognized Indian Tribes, including Alaska Native
Tribes, and their associated Tribal communities and Tribal organizations, with
research and information for decision-making regarding water issues and
water-related concerns that impact Indian and Alaska Native Tribal members,
as well as other residents of Alaska Native Villages and Indian Country in the
United States.


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
Foreword

Message from the Federal
Water Subcabinet Tribal Team

The Water Subcabinet, co-chaired by the Secretary of the Interior and the Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency was established by Executive Order 13956 in October 2020 and
codified by the Flood Level Observation, Operations and Decision Support Act in December 2022 to improve
coordination among federal agencies that engage in water-related matters, including water quantity, water
quality and restoration activities, water infrastructure, water-based transportation and water forecasting. In
response to Executive Order 13956, the Water Subcabinet identified the potential need for more effective
and coordinated federal engagement with Tribal Nations. The Water Subcabinet Tribal Team*, co-chaired by
the EPA and the Bureau of Reclamation, was formed by the Water Subcabinet member agencies in 2022 to
identify potential opportunities to leverage technical and financial resources across federal agencies to more
effectively address water-related needs in Indian Country.

As the federal government continues to deliver and enhance technical and financial resources for Tribes,
the need for coordination and collaboration has never been more critical. There is a continuing imperative
that the federal government work diligently to better align and leverage their Tribal resources and programs
rather than employ a "go it alone" or "siloed" perspective and mentality. To achieve the Water Subcabinet
Tribal Team's mission, this work includes looking across the federal government, including beyond
water programs, to highlight strategies Tribes can employ to secure federal assistance to achieve their
environmental goals.

The Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide, developed with support from the Water
Subcabinet Tribal Team, complements other recent federal initiatives, such as the Access to Capital
Clearinghouse, in highlighting federal assistance available to support Tribal environmental programs.
In addition, through Tribal case studies, "Tips from Tribes" and "Tips from Feds" embedded throughout,
the Guide provides a detailed "how to" perspective for Tribal staff working to navigate an everchanging
myriad of federal resources. We hope this guide serves as a foundational resource for Tribal environmental
programs seeking federal assistance opportunities.

*Water Subcabinet Tribal Team member agencies include the Department of the Interior (Bureau of
Reclamation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(Natural Resources Conservation Service, Rural Development, Forest Service), Federal Emergency
Management Agency, Indian Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide

Youth from the Bishop Paiute Tribe hike to Elizabeth Lake in Yosemite National Park as part of the Firstbloom environmental education
program. The youth observed native plants and animals in their natural environments. They also collected phenology data and conducted
habitat restoration with help from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service staff.


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide

1. Introduction

In keeping with the federal government's trust
responsibility to federally recognized Tribes, the U.S.
government provides financial and technical assistance
to Tribes consistent with applicable law and to the
extent practicable. The U.S. government collectively
manages hundreds of financial and technical assistance
programs across multiple agencies that can support
Tribaily led efforts to conserve and restore natural
resources.

As highlighted in recent engagements with the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water,
Tribes face challenges, such as limited staff hours and
a lack of experience preparing grant applications, when
finding and securing federal assistance to build and
sustain their environmental programs. To overcome
funding caps in individual federal grant programs,

Tribes must carefully design funding strategies to
incrementally implement large conservation initiatives,
such as restoring aquatic ecosystems through an
iterative series of discrete projects. To help address
these barriers, Tribes requested the EPA's support
in identifying programs across the EPA and federal
government that can supplement assistance available
through the agency's Clean Water Act grant programs.

This resource guide complements other recent
and ongoing directives and actions in the federal
government, including Executive Order 14008:

Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home arid Abroad and
Executive Order 14112: Reforming Federal Funding and
Sunnort for Tribal Nations to Better Embrace Our Trust
Responsibilities and Promote the Next Era of Tribal Self-
Determination. to address barriers facing Tribes in their
efforts to secure federal assistance.1

Specifically, this guide was developed to help
environmental program managers and staff working
within federally recognized Tribal governments (see
mapl learn how federal resources can support their
work. This guide also includes case studies highlighting
Tribes that have leveraged multiple sources of federal
assistance to achieve their environmental program goals.

Basket weaver Ramses King (of the Mississippi Band
of Choctaw Indians) weaves river cane into a "double-
weave" general use basket. His grandmother, great-aunts
and aunts taught him how to weave, and he strives to
maintain the tradition.

Federally Recognized Tribes*

This guide identifies federal assistance opportunities
available to federally recognized Tribal governments.
The Secretary of the Interior publishes an annual list
of federally recognized Tribes in the Federal Register.
Note that some featured assistance programs offer
wider eligibilities, such as Tribaily owned businesses
or state-recognized Tribe; please confirm eligibility
options with the program contact before applying.

*For purposes of this guide, the term "Tribe" means an
Indian or Alaska Native Tribe, Band, Nation, Pueblo,
Village or Community that the Secretary of the Interior
acknowledges to exist as an Indian Tribe pursuant to
Public Law 103-454,108 Statute 4791, known as the
Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994.


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
1. Introduction

The following federal agencies offer programs or resources highlighted in this guide or in the inventory of
funding programs. Links are provided to direct you to information about each agency's Tribal programs and
to lists of national or regional contacts where available.

AmeriCorps: Information

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): Information

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): Information

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Information

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS): Contacts
Farm Service Agency (FSA): Contacts
U.S. Forest Service (USFS): Contacts
Rural Development (RD): Contacts

U.S. Department of the Army (DA): Information

•* U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): Contacts

U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC): Information

Economic Development Administration [EDA): Contacts
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): Contacts
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Contacts

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE): Information

U.S. Department of Interior (DOI): Information and contacts
National Park Service (NPS): Contacts
•* U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA): Contacts
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS): Contacts
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS): Contacts
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR): Contacts
U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM): Contacts

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): Information
Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC): Information

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Information

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Contacts

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):

Information

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT): Information

Federal Highway Administration fFHWAl: Information
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
[PHMSA): Information

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Information and contacts

Q

AmeriCorps

USDA

For a comprehensive list of federal agencies, see the Index of U.S. Government Departments and Agencies.


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
1. Introduction

Scope and How to Use This Guide

This guide is a starting point for Tribal environmental program managers and staff to learn about federal
resources, including funding, technical assistance and tools, which can help achieve Tribal program goals.
The conservation topics covered in the following pages are relevant to the work led by staff across Tribal
departments, including water quality, natural resources, fisheries, wildlife and agriculture (Figure 1-11.
Moreover, as Tribal staff frequently wear multiple hats across programs and departments, this guide can
support planning to combine assistance from multiple federal agencies to advance their work. Although this
guide does not replace the sometimes-challenging work of securing federal assistance for your Tribe, we
hope it begins to direct readers toward federal support that is best suited to your needs.

Figure 1-1. Left image: The illustration by Coral Avery (Shawnee Tribe) shows the interconnection of water, native species and
Indigenous cultures stretching from the Pacific Islands to the U.S. East Coast. The medicine wheel symbolizes the health and
prosperity of people and environment. Depending on the storyteller, the Turtle Island element symbolizes either North America or
South America. Water surrounds the image because it sustains all life. (Source: USGS and C.B, Avery2)

Right image: Similarly, our guide is inspired by the Indigenous holistic worldview that all is connected: natural resources, lands, and
peoples and their cultures. Our guide includes sections on six interconnected conservation topics highlighted as important by our
Tribal workgroup members.

We encourage readers to use this guide as a jumping-off point to help target further research into the
featured programs. Readers are encouraged to reach out to federal agency contacts with specific questions
about the programs featured in this guide. Throughout the guide, you wi 11 find links to both federal and
nonfederal websites that offer more details on specific topics and programs.

The guide is divided into the following chapters:

•	Chapter 2 features a primer on the types of federal funding assistance that can support Tribal
conservation work and offers a snapshot of funding programs that are open only to Tribal applicants.
The chapter also provides "Tips from Tribes" and "Tips from Feds" on how on how to plan for, secure
and manage federal funding assistance.

•	Chapter 3 describes and lists examples of federal technical assistance resources that can support
Tribal conservation work via training, planning assistance, etc.

•	Chapter 4 is divided into six conservation topic sections —(1] Protecting and Restoring Waters,

(2) Protecting Air Quality, (3) Protecting Wildlife and Habitat, (4) Preparing for Climate Change and
Natural Hazards, (5] Stewarding Lands and (6] Supporting and Engaging Tribal Communities —that
highlight federal resources and Tribal case studies to inspire conservation efforts.

•	Chapter 5 provides concluding remarks and lists other federal interagency resource guides.


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
1. Introduction

H The Bishop Paiute Tribe hosts a youth education event on a Tribe-managed natural area.


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide

2. Federal Financial Assistance
to Support Tribal Conservation Work

Federal financial assistance is a broad term to refer to the various ways —via grants, cooperative
agreements, loans, scholarships, insurance, etc. —that the U.S. government distributes resources to
eligible recipients, consistent with laws, regulations and guidance. This section introduces federal financial
assistance types, provides an overview of steps to finding and managing federal grants, and discusses the
inventory of Tribal conservation-related programs developed for this guide.

Types of

Federal Financial Assistance

The U.S. government publishes a detailed public description,
or assistance listing, for every federal program that provides
grants, loans, scholarships, insurance or other types of
assistance awards. As a starting point, visit SAM.gov to browse
assistance listings across all government agencies. Your Tribe
may be interested in one or more of the following assistance
types to support conservation work.

Grants

A grant agreement is a legal instrument of financial assistance
between a federal awarding agency or pass-through entity
and a nonfederal entity designed to carry out a public purpose
authorized by a law of the United States. Federal grants include:

•	Discretionary grant: a grant for which a federal agency
selects the awardee, or grant recipient, based on merit
and eligibility.

•	Mandatory fnondiscretionarv) grant: a grant for which
the allocation of federal funding to eligible entities is
specified in the authorizing legislation and regulations.
For example, formula grants to Tribes, states, territories
or local units of government are based on predetermined
formulas and not open to discretionary funding decisions.

Cooperative Agreements

Similar to a grant, a cooperative agreement is a legal
instrument of financial assistance between a federal awarding
agency or pass-through entity and a nonfederal entity to carry
out a public purpose authorized by a law of the United States.
However, unlike a grant agreement, a cooperative agreement
provides for substantial involvement of the federal awarding
agency or pass-through entity in carrying out the activity.
For example, in a cooperative agreement, federal employees

5

Did You Know?

The federal fiscal year cycle runs from
October 1 to September 30; for example
FY2024 was October 1, 2023 to September
30, 2024. Federal funding opportunity
numbers indicate the fiscal year in which
the opportunity is open for applications. For
example, the EPA's FY2024 Clean Water Act
Section 319 Tribal Competitive Grant Request
for Applications was posted in November
2023 under opportunity number EPA-0W-
0W0W-24-01.

What is Federal
"Pass-Through Funding"?

In addition to searching federal grant
postings on Grants.gov. your Tribal program
should consider expanding the search for
financial assistance to include federal "pass-
through entities." Pass-through funding
refers to funds issued by a federal agency
to a state agency or institution, i.e., the
"prime recipient," that are then transferred
to other eligible groups, i.e., "subrecipients,"
per the award eligibility terms. For example,
the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
awards matching grants using federal
funds provided by annual Congressional
appropriations and agreements with federal
agencies.


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
2. Federal Financial Assistance to Support Tribal Conservation Work

participate more closely in project activities, often working side-by-side with the grantee. Note: the term
grant is often used to generally refer to both federal grants and cooperative agreements.

Other Federal Financial Assistance Agreements

Some federal agencies offer alternative funding arrangements, such as conservation contracts and
contribution agreements; for example, see USDA's Regional Conservation Partnership Program. Tribes
are encouraged to reach out to the relevant agency program contacts to investigate possible alternative
financial assistance agreement types.

Tribal Self-Governance Contracts and Agreements

Federally recognized Tribes may enter into Public Law 93-638
contracts and agreements under the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act to plan, conduct and administer programs or
portions of programs, including construction. Public Law 93-638
contracts and agreements ailow Tribes to participate effectively and
meaningfully in planning, conducting and administering federal
programs intended to service Tribes. Federal funds received through
Public Law 93-638 contracts and agreements are considered Tribal
funds and may be used to meet matching or cost participation
requirements under other federal and nonfederal programs. Federally
recognized Tribes may also apply for the Self-Governance Program.

For more information on these programs, contact the federal Tribal
liaison for the agency/program of interest.

Forest Service:
638 Agreements

The USFS's Tribal Forest Protection
Act/638 Project Authority website
offers a webinar featuring the first
agreement signed with the Tulalip
Tribes in 2020, a questions-and-
answers session video and many
examples of 638 projects currently
underway on Tribal lands.

I Staff members from the Mescalero Apache Tribe and the New Mexico Natural Resources Conservation Service investigate an area of the
reservation where the forest was thinned to help battle against wildfire and to improve downstream water quality.

6


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
2. Federal Financial Assistance to Support Tribal Conservation Work

Steps to Finding and Managing Federal Grants

More than 20 federal agencies award federal grants and
cooperative agreements. Grants.gov centralizes more than 1,000
different grant programs across federal grant-making agencies
awarding more than $500 billion annually. The following steps
outline the general elements of searching, applying for and
managing federal grants. These steps are adapted from the
Grants.gov Grant Lifecvcle Timeline. Note that procedures vary
by agency, so please reach out to federal agency contacts with
questions before applying.

| Step 1. Define Your Needs

You can easily spend many hours searching and applying for
federal assistance. Save time and resources by taking these
initial steps, adapted from BIA's Grant Writing Workshop, to
refine your research:

•	Define your project - What's the need? For example,

do you need funding for new Tribal staff? What are your
goals and objectives? What are the desired outcomes?

•	Identify your partners - Who can you collaborate with to
help advance your project and secure federal assistance?

•	Develop a funding strategy - Estimate how much funding
is needed and identify available funding/resources you and
your partners will be able to provide to meet a potential
match requirement. Where possible, divide large projects
into discrete parts that can be implemented incrementally
as funding allows.

| Step 2. Pre-Award Phase - Search and
Apply for Funding Opportunities

In addition to training resources
available at Grants.gov. you can
access agency-specific grants training
resources, such as:

•	BIA Technical Assistance

•	FEMA Grants Management
Technical Assistance

•	EPA Grants Management Training

Tips from Tribes

Advice from Tribal workgroup members

Projects go in stages, so be prepared.

Apply for a planning grant first so you're
ready to implement a project when that
time comes.

Account for the time needed to get
approval from your Tribal leadership.

Allow at least a month for review.

Before applying for funding, ensure your
Tribe has the necessary staff or can find a
contractor to help carry out the projects.
Build and maintain relationships with
reliable contractors.

Stay organized in case of staffing turnover.
Document all projects and procedures.

Partner with local universities. They can
research complicated issues, provide
technical expertise, offer university
student staffing assistance and even help
with grant writing.

Consider hiring consulting firms to help
with technical issues.

•	Search for funds - Grants.gov standardizes grant
information, application packages and the processes for
finding and applying for federal grants. Set reminders
on your calendar or sign up for email alerts, as new
opportunities are added often. Also see the Tribal-specific
Access to Capital Clearinghouse for other listings.

•	Apply for funds - In addition to your proposed workplan,
federal agencies typically require several other forms

as part of your application package. Federal application periods can be as short as a few weeks, so
before getting started be sure you have enough time to complete and submit all required forms by the
deadline. Need more information? See How to AppIv for Grants: Getting Started.

Note: As required by 2 Code of Federal Regulations Part 25, any entity wishing to do business with the
federal government must register in SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier. This may take a few
weeks to finalize, so plan ahead to complete this task before the application period opens.


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
2. Federal Financial Assistance to Support Tribal Conservation Work

Step 3. Award Phase - Accepting Federal Assistance

When an agency selects your grant application for award, it prepares and sends an award agreement.
You then review the award agreement, including the grant scope of work and the terms and conditions,
to confirm that you concur with all the information. When you or your organization accepts the grant,
you become legally obligated to carry out the full terms and
conditions of the grant. As an award recipient, you are also
subject to federal statutory and regulatory requirements and
policies.

Step 4. Post-Award Phase - Managing
a Federal Grant

Finally, you can get to work! The post-award phase includes
implementing the grant, reporting progress and completing
the closeout requirements. The federal agency that makes the
award to you typically has a grants management officer and
program officer assigned to each grant, and you will work
with both throughout the life of the grant. At the end of your
project, closeout refers to the process used by the awarding
agency to ensure you have completed all the required
technical work under a grant and to confirm that all applicable
financial and administrative requirements have been met.

Note: When applying for federal grants in the future, you may
be asked to share information about your past performance
under previous assistance agreements, so it is helpful to keep
these records in one place!

HOW TO APPLY FOR GRANTS

How to Apply for Grants: Getting Started

S> [ID E> @> S> [v>

Submitting UTF-8 Special
Characters

Encountering Erior.Messages

ling Center for an eligible before applying. align with your work.

Save Time &
Apply Using
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Register	Apply	Track

Sign up with Grants.gov Complete and submit Enter your 6rants.gov

Search for Opportunity Package

| The Grants.gov website provides grant application guidance.

Tips from Feds

Advice from federal workgroup members

Are you preparing to apply?

—	Participate in grant management training.

—	Reach out to technical assistance
providers. They can help you identify
projects and teach you how to stack
federal grants to support them.

—	Letters of support from project partners
are important.

—	Build relationships with state and federal
partners. They can guide you to new
opportunities.

—	Requests for applications are only open
for a brief time (45-60 days), so start your
research early and be ready to act.

Are you applying?

—	Read the Notice of Funding Opportunity
information carefully before drafting your
application.

—	Confirm the page limit and stick to it.
Reviewers are not permitted to read pages
beyond the limit.

—	Check the funding program to confirm
your eligibility. Reach out to the agency
with questions.

—	Many federal programs require lower or
zero matching funds from Tribes. Account
for that when applying.

—	If your application is unsuccessful, request
a debriefing to find out why. You'll receive
information to help you succeed next time!

Are you managing an award?

—	Once you receive an award, keep
detailed information in your files so
you can meet regulations, track and
report your progress, and more easily
pursue similar projects later.

—	Reach out to your agency contact with
questions or concerns.


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
2. Federal Financial Assistance to Support Tribal Conservation Work

Federal Funding Program Inventory Overview

Federal agencies offer many funding programs that can
support Tribal conservation work, including programs
open only to Tribes and programs open to multiple
applicant types, including Tribes. These programs
support a range of diverse project types; for example,
the BIA's Tribal Tourism Grant Program and USDA's
Rural Decentralized Water Systems Grant Program
support economic development and water quality
protection projects, respectively. Please visit the Tribal
Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide website
for a downloadable spreadsheet containing information
about more than 150 federal funding programs from
13 federal agencies relevant to one or more of the
conservation topics covered in this guide: [1] water,
[2] air, [3] wildlife and habitat, [4] climate change and
natural hazards, [5] lands and [6] communities.

To help Tribal environmental programs get started in
searching for funding opportunities, the conservation
topic sections in Chapter 4 of this guide spotlight
28 federal funding programs included in the
supplemental funding inventory spreadsheet. In addition,
you will find federal funding programs highlighted in
Tribal case studies throughout this guide.

Please note that the guide and the online inventory
spreadsheet documents are static; although they may
be updated in the future, some links or programs will
become obsolete as time passes and programs change.

Tribal-Specific
Federal Funding Programs

The U.S. government manages assistance programs
open to many applicant types, as well as Tribal-specific
programs. Tribal-specific programs include those available
only to Tribes, such as FWS Tribal Wildlife Grants, as well
as programs with a predetermined dedicated amount of
funds reserved, or "set aside," for Tribes, such as the EPA
CWA Section 319 Grant Program. Table 2-1 provides a list
of grant programs that are open only to Tribal applicants.

Looking Beyond Federal Sources

Various nonfederal options are available to support
natural resources protection projects, including:

•	Grants from Indigenous-focused organizations:
Organizations that are dedicated to supporting
Indigenous conservation efforts often offer
funding. Examples: Indigenous Environmental
Network: Native American Fish and Wildlife
Society

•	Nonprofit organizations: Various nonprofit
organizations and foundations focus on
environmental and conservation efforts,
including those related to Tribal lands.
Examples: Candid's Investing in Native
Communities: The First Nations Development
Institute's Grantseeker Resource: the National
Fish and Wildlife Foundation

•	State and local grants: Depending on the
location of Tribal lands, Tribes may be eligible
for state or local grants aimed at conservation
and environmental protection. Example:

CalEPA Tribal Funding

•	Private sector investments: Some Tribes seek
private sector investments or partnerships
for conservation projects, especially those
related to sustainable resource management,
ecotourism or renewable energy.

•	Partnerships and collaborations: Tribes can
work on projects with neighboring Tribes,
government agencies, universities and private
companies. These partnerships can often bring
added funding and resources. Example: Arizona
State University

9


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
2. Federal Financial Assistance to Support Tribal Conservation Work

Table 2-1. Tribal-specific federal funding assistance programs3,

which include Tribe-only programs or programs with dedicated Tribal set-aside funds.









Conservation topics

c



Program name

Agencyb

Waters

»

Air

»

Wildlife &
Habitats

»

Climate &
Hazards

»

Land

»

Communities

»



~~

	







Alaska Subsistence Program

BIA

~



~



~

~

Building Resilient Infrastructure and
Communities'1

FEMA

~



~

~

~

~

Clean Air Act Section 103 Grants for Tribesd

EPA



~







~

Clean Air Act Section 105 Grants for Tribesd

EPA



~







~

Clean Water Indian Set-Aside Grant Program

EPA

~





~

~

~

Conservation Law Enforcement Officer

BIA

~







~

V

Diesel Emission Reduction Act: Tribal and
Territory Grants'1

EPA



~









Endangered Soecies Program

BIA

~



~



~



Forest Management Plans

BIA



~



~

V



Hatcherv Maintenance Program

BIA

~









~

Hazardous Materials Emergency PreDaredness
Tribal Grant

PHMSA







~



~

Indian Environmental General Assistance

EPA

~

~



~

V

~

Invasive Soecies Program

BIA

~



~



~

~

LandscaDe Scale Restoration Grant Program for
Tribes and Alaska Native Coraorations/Villages

USFS

~



~

~

~

~

National Native American Graves Protection and
ReDatriation Act Program

NPS









~

~

Native American Affairs Technical Assistance

USBR

~



V

~

~

~

Native American Tribal Loans

FSA





V

~

~

~

Small. IJnderserved and Disadvantaged
Communities Grant Programd

EPA

~





~



~

Soecies Recovery Grants to Tribes

NOAA

~

~

V

~

~

~

State and National Native Nations Grants'1

AmeriCorps

~



V

~

~

~

10


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
2. Federal Financial Assistance to Support Tribal Conservation Work

Table 2-1. Tribal-specific federal funding assistance programs3,

which include Tribe-only programs or programs with dedicated Tribal set-aside funds, [continued]







Conservation topics

c



Program name

Agencyb

Waters

»

Air

»

Wildlife &
Habitats

»

Climate &
Hazards

»

Land

»

Communities

»

1 ™~









Tribal Climate Resilience Annual Awards

BIA

~

~

~

~

~

~

Tribal CWA Section 106 Grants'1

EPA

~



~

~



~

Tribal CWA Section 319 Grants'1

EPA

~



~

~

~

~

Tribal Heritage Grants

NPS





~



~

~

Tribal Historic Preservation Office Grants

NPS

~



~

~

V

V

Tribal PartnershiD Program

USACE

~



~

~

~

~

Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Countrv

CDC







~

~

~

Tribal Public Health CaDacitv Building and
Oualitv Imnrovement

CDC







~



~

Tribal Public Water Svstem SuDervision

EPA

~





~



~

Tribal Tourism Grant Program

BIA











~

Tribal Wetland Program DeveloDment Grants'1

EPA

~



~

~

~

~

Tribal Wildlife Grants

FWS





~



V

V

Tribal Youth Initiative Program

BIA

~



~

~

~

~

Trust Land Consolidation

BIA









~

~

Water Management. Planning and Pre-
DeveloDment Program

BIA

~





~





Water Rights Negotiation and Litigation
Program

BIA

~



V

~

~

~

Notes:

a Program eligibility varies. Please consult agencies for confirmation before applying.
b Acronyms are defined at the beginning of this guide.

c Conservation topics refer to the six areas of focus explored in Chapter 4 of this guide.

d This funding program includes a designated funding amount open only to Tribal applicants (Tribal set-side funds).

11


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
2. Federal Financial Assistance to Support Tribal Conservation Work


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide

3. Federal Technical Assistance
to Support Tribal Conservation Work

Technical assistance is a category of activities undertaken by federal agencies to build communities'
capacity to develop fundable projects that address community priorities, navigate federal programs and
apply for and deploy federal resources. Technical assistance can focus on various elements of a project
lifecycle —some technical assistance programs are focused on helping Tribal and other communities apply
for and access federal funding, while others are more focused on helping communities plan, design and build
projects after funding has been secured.

Members of the Nisqually Tribe
work with the FWS to seine
nearshore habitat iri a Pacific
Northwest waterway.

Types of Technical Assistance

Federal technical assistance programs can be categorized as direct and indirect technical assistance.

Direct technical assistance: Includes technical support that is generally provided on a
one-on-one basis, with assistance tailored to address the specific needs of individual grant
recipients. For example, FEMA's Non-Financial Direct Technical Assistance Program
provides resources to grant seekers and recipients of the Building Resilient Infrastructure
and Communities grant program.

Indirect technical assistance: Includes federal resources that are targeted to a broader
audience, often via financial assistance that can be used by the grant recipient for
nonfederal grant management assistance. Indirect technical assistance includes:

•	Federal grant program-wide indirect technical assistance. These tools are developed by
federal agencies for a wide audience of stakeholders. For example, Chapter 4 of this
guide provides examples of federal planning frameworks, datasets and tools that can
support Tribal conservation work.

•	Project-specific indirect technical assistance. Some agencies allow individual grant
recipients to use a portion of the awarded grant funds to cover expenses relating to
technical assistance. For example, Tribal recipients may use a portion of an EPA CWA
Section 319 Competitive Grant for the planning and design of their on-the-ground
project to manage nonpoint source water pollution.

13


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
3. Federal Technical Assistance to Support Tribal Conservation Work

Technical Assistance Resource Spotlights

The following four federal technical assistance resources help inform and support Tribal natural
resource conservation efforts.

EPA-Funded Tribal Exchange Network Group

The Tribal Exchange Network Group is an EPA-funded Tribal partnership of natural resource
professionals and Tribal partners focused on building Tribal capacity through education, innovation and
information exchange.

Interagency Thriving Communities Network

The Thriving Communities Network is a federal
interagency effort to coordinate place-based
technical assistance and capacity-building
resources for Tribal and other communities
experiencing a history of economic distress
(see map for locations and projects). For
example, the EPA and DOE are collaborating
on national and region Environmental Justice
Thriving Communities Technical Assistance
Centers, which provide training and other
assistance to help Tribes and others identify
grant opportunities, prepare federal grant
applications, manage grant funding, effectively
engage with decision-makers and develop

I The Thriving Communities Network has partnerships and projects
underway across the United States.

community-based partnerships. Participating agencies commit to make technical assistance programs
available through the Thriving Communities Network, such as:

DOE's Communities Local Energy Action
Program

DOT's Thriving Communities Program and
Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods
Program

EDA's Economic Recovery Corps

FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and
Communities Direct Technical Assistance and
Capability- and Capacitv-Building Activities

HUD's Thriving Communities Technical

Assistance

USDA's Rural Partners Network

USGS Technical Support and Training

USGS provides technical and research assistance and helps buiid
capacity through training. For example, the Technical Training in
Support of Native American Relations provides tools and training
to help Tribes manage their natural resources. Also, the National
and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers offer professional
development and Tribal engagement opportunities.

White House Technical Assistance Guidance

This technical assistance webpage provides information about
more than 100 federal technical assistance programs and some
sources of state-directed technical assistance. Although developed
to support programs specifically funded under the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act and could include

some short-term programs, the guide offers detailed information for many ongoing programs.

USGS staff describe sediment collection
devices for a Tribal training class.

14


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
3. Federal Technical Assistance to Support Tribal Conservation Work

Agency-Specific Technical Assistance Resources

Varied technical assistance resources are available across the federal government. Individual agencies often
maintain technical assistance-specific webpages to guide visitors to the resources they provide, such as:

• NASA Indigenous Peoples Initiative

BIA Technical Assistance
DOE Technical Assistance
DOT Technical Assistance
EDA Technical Assistance
FEMA Technical Assistance
FWS Technical Assistance

NOAA Fisheries Technical Assistance
NRCS Conservation Technical Assistance
USACE Technical Assistance
USBR Technical Assistance

Technical assistance activities offered by federal agencies can help Tribes build capacity to support their
efforts to navigate federal programs, apply for and deploy federal resources and develop fundable projects
that address goals. Table 3-1 lists Tribal-specific federal technical assistance programs and opportunities that
are open only to Tribal applicants as of fall 2024. Table 3-2 lists programs that are available to a wider range
of applicants such as Tribes, nonprofit groups and others.

Table 3-1. Federal technical assistance programs available only to Tribal applicants.3







Conservation topics

C



Program name

Agencyb

Waters

»

Air

»

Wildlife &
Habitats

»

Climate &
Hazards

»

Land

»

Communities

»

I ™~









Building Resilient Infrastructures and
Communities

FEMA







~



~

Forest Management Plans

BIA

~







~

~

Indigenous Peonies Initiative

NASA

~



~

~

~

V

MUREP for American Indian and Alaska Native
STEM Engagement

NASA











V

National Tribal Waste Management Peer Matching
Program

EPA



~

~

~

~

~

Native American Affairs Technical Assistance
Program

USBR

~



~

~

V

V

Technical and Business Advisorv Services for
Fnerevand Mineral Proiects

BIA









~

~

Tribal Climate Resilience

BIA







~



~

Tribal PartnershiD Program

USACE

~









~

Tribal Technical Assistance Program

FHWA











~

Notes:

a Program eligibility varies. Please consult agencies for confirmation before applying.
b Acronyms are defined at the beginning of this guide.

c Conservation topics refer to the six areas of focus explored in Chapter 4 of this guide.

15


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
3. Federal Technical Assistance to Support Tribal Conservation Work

Table 3-2. Federal technical assistance programs open to Tribal applicants and others.3









Conservation topics

c



Program name

Agencyb

Waters

»

Air

»

Wildlife &
Habitats

»

Climate &
Hazards

»

Land

»

Communities

»













Agricultural Management Assistance Prneram

NRCS

~

~



~

~



Assistance to ImDrove Water Oualitv and Enable
Small Public Water Svstems

EPA

~





~



~

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities

EPA

~

~

~

~

~

~

Circuit Rider Program: Technical Assistance for
Rural Water Svstem

RD

~





V



~

Climate Change ResDonse Framework

USFS

~

~

~

~

~

~

Climate Readv Workforce for Coastal Great Lakes
States. Tribes and Territories Initiative

NOAA







~



~

College/Underserved Community PartnershiD
Program

EPA











V

Community Assistance Recovery SuDDort
Function

FEMA







~



~

Communitv-Based Habitat Restoration

NOAA





~



~



Community Navigators Program

USFS









~



Community Resilience Program

NIST







~



~

Conservation Stewardshin Program

NRCS





~



V



Conservation Technical Assistance

NRCS

~

~

~

~

~

~

Continuing Authorities Program

USACE

~



~

~

~



CooDerative Forestry

USFS





~



~



Dealing with Disasters and Fmergencies

CFPB







~



V

Emergency Conservation Program

FSA

~





~

~



Emergency Having and Grazing of Conservation
Reserve

FSA

~



~



~



Fnvironmental lustice Thriving Communities
Technical Assistance Centers

EPA











~

Environmental Oualitv Incentives Program

NRCS

~

~

~

~

~



Flood Plain Management Services

USACE

~





~

~



Forest Health Protection

USFS





~

~

V



Grassroots Source Water Protection Program

FSA

~



~

~

~

~

16


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
3. Federal Technical Assistance to Support Tribal Conservation Work

Table 3-2. Federal technical assistance programs open to Tribal applicants and others.3 (continued]

Program name

Agency6

Conservation topics0

Waters

Air

»

Wildlife &
Habitats

>>

Climate &
Hazards

»

Land

»

Communities

»

I

	

—



National Earthauake Hazards Reduction Program

NIST







~





National Estuarine Research Reserve Svstem
Coastal Training Programs

NOAA

~



~

~

~

~

National Windstorm Imnact Reduction Program

NIST







~



~



Partners for Fish and Wildlife

FWS

~



~



~

~

Planning Assistance to States Program

USACE

~



~

~

~

~

Rivers. Trails and Conservation Assistance
Program

NPS

~



~



~

~

Shellfish Aauaculture

NOAA

~



~





~

Technical Assistance and Training for Small and
Rural Treatment Works

EPA

~





~



~

Technical Assistant Services for Communities

EPA











~

Water Infrastructure and Resiliency Finance
Center

EPA

~









~

Water Technical Assistance Programs

EPA

~





~



~

Notes:

a Program eligibility varies. Please consult agencies for confirmation before applying.
b Acronyms are defined at the beginning of this guide.

c Conservation topics refer to the six areas of focus explored in Chapter 4 of this guide.

1 Elk crossing the Quillayute River near the Quileute Indian Reservation.

17


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
3. Federal Technical Assistance to Support Tribal Conservation Work

18

"Mother

by Devon Borkowski, Rappahannock Tribe

Devon Borkowski's painting, Mother Earth, depicts Native stewardship of the natural world,
shown through an Indigenous mother caring for the earth as her own baby. Devon created the
painting for an Indigenous food sovereignty and food justice event and submitted it to the BIA's
2024 Young Tribal Leaders Art Contest. Devon's painting was one of 23 selected to exhibit
online and at the main Department of Interior building in Washington, DC.

(Source: BIA, with permission from Devon Borkowski!


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide

4. Conservation Topic Areas

Introduction

Approximately 56.2 million acres are held in trust by the United States
for various federally recognized Tribes and individuals.3 About 326
Indian land areas are administered as federal Indian reservations,
each with a unique set of natural resources. Many Tribes practice
sustainable natural resource management, often guided by
Indigenous Knowledge, and understand the interconnectedness
of the natural world —air, water, land and wildlife —and the role
humans play in protecting each precious resource. Tribes often also
recognize the new challenges brought by a changing climate, and
many are working to overcome or adapt to them. Additionally, varied
obstacles can accompany these challenges, including a lack of data, funding,
communication, technical knowledge and more. This guide helps to connect Tribes

with the funding information, tools and resources needed to address each area of natural resources concern.

Conservation Topic Areas

Each of the following six sections focuses on federal
programs and other resources that support Tribes'
protection of a specific conservation topic area.

1.	Protecting and Restoring Waters: Resources that help
protect freshwater and coastal/marine water quality
and quantity.

2.	Protecting Air Quality: Resources that help protect air
quality and reduce the associated health and water
pollution problems.

3.	Protecting Wildlife and Habitat: Resources that help
ensure healthy wildlife.

4.	Preparing for Climate Change and Other Natural
Hazards: Resources that can increase Tribes'
resiliency to climate change and associated natural
hazards, such as flood, drought and fire.

5.	Stewarding Lands: Resources that help ensure
healthy agricultural, forested and urban lands.

6.	Supporting and Engaging Communities: Resources
that help enhance Tribal communities' connection
to environmental resources, natural places and each
other.

19

Joint Secretarial Order
Enhances Tribal Support

In 2022, the Secretaries of Agriculture, Interior
and Commerce signed loint Secretarial Order
3403 to ensure their respective agencies are
managing federal lands and waters in a manner
that considers the treaty, religious, subsistence
and cultural interests of federally recognized
Tribes. This policy protects Tribal interests,
improves collaboration and reinforces the
federal government's obligation to uphold its
trust responsibility to Tribes.

Together, the departments of the Interior,
Agriculture and Commerce have been putting
in place policies, infrastructure and agreements
to usher in a new era of Tribal co-stewardship
of public lands and waters. Each agency reports
annually on their progress under the policy; see
DOI's first and second annual reports.


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
4. Conservation Topic Areas

Conservation Topic Featured Elements

Each conservation topic section is presented consistently, with the same heading and general layout
but with different details for each. We recognize that many subject areas overlap, so we highlighted
resources and Tribal examples that could be particularly useful for addressing concerns or problems in that
conservation topic area. Each of the next six sections includes the following information:

•	Federal Planning Frameworks: Includes descriptions and links to federal planning frameworks that
Tribes can use to identify problems and develop strategies and projects. Relevant Tribal examples are
provided when available.

•	Technical Assistance Resource Spotlights: Includes descriptions and links to federal tools that Tribes
can use to assess problems, support project planning and implementation, build capacity and inform
Tribal members. Tool types vary and include links to mapping resources, data, websites and documents.

•	Including Indigenous Knowledge: Explores examples of Tribes using
Indigenous Knowledge in natural resources management decisions,
working alone and in concert with information provided by federal
agencies and others.4 Indigenous Knowledge refers to a body of
observations, oral and written knowledge, innovations, practices and
beliefs that have been developed by Tribes and Indigenous Peoples
through interaction and experience with the environment.

•	Changing Climate: Presents example resources that can help Tribes
adjust to the effects of climate change in each conservation topic area. We recognize that climate
change influences all conservation topic section areas. Climate change effects include intensifying
rainfall and floods, expanding droughts and shifting weather patterns. These changes affect the
quantity and quality of freshwater resources, the incidence of natural hazards such as wildfire, the
productivity of land and the location and quality of wildlife and plant habitats. Underserved and
overburdened communities often face disproportionate risks and impacts from climate change.

•	Tribal Case Study: Features a case study of a Tribal project specific to that topic area. The case study
highlights innovative partnerships, best practices and the sources of funding used.

•	Federal Funding Assistance Programs Spotlight: Provides a closer look at a handful of federal funding
programs that are either commonly used to fund projects in that topic area or have untapped potential
for supporting Tribal efforts. All federal programs highlighted are available only to federally recognized
Tribes unless otherwise noted in the listing.

•	Resource Links: Lists helpful links from other federal and nonfederal sources.

Keep an eye out for
the H,0 Connection

HO

water droplets,	2

which highlight Connection

hydrologic links
between water and
pother conservation topics!

20


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
4. Conservation Topic Areas

Protecting and Restoring Waters

Introduction

Since time immemorial, Tribes have played an
important role in protecting water resources used for
recreation, transportation, fishing, aquaculture, drinking
water, ceremonial purposes and more,5 Federal programs and tools are
available to help Tribes develop and implement programs to protect
freshwater and coastal/marine water quality and quantity. Programs
support:

•	Water and watershed management, Including conducting
assessments, planning and monitoring

•	Pollution control, including installing structural, management
and educational best practices

•	Source water protection

•	Water rights protection

•	Wastewater management, including onsite wastewater systems
and support for innovative treatment such as biological nutrient
removal for larger systems

A USGS technician shows a member of the
Santa Ana Pueblo how to use an isokinetic
sampler on the Canadian River in Oklahoma.

Example Federal Planning Frameworks to Protect and Restore Waters

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

•	Planning Assistance to States, as authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 1974 Section 22, assists states,
local governments, Tribes and other nonfederal entities with preparing comprehensive plans for developing, using and
conserving water and related resources of drainage basins, watersheds or ecosystems.

•	Watershed assessments, developed under WRDA Section 729 authorization, use a single-phase approach starting with
the signing of a cost-share agreement focusing on integrated water resources management. A watershed management
plan is developed and includes recommended actions to be implemented either by the USACE or other watershed
stakeholders. Examples: West Maui Watershed Studv: Wolastoa Watershed Assessment and Management Plan

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

•	WaterSMART Basin Studies help assess water supplies and identify strategies to meet demands to ensure water supply
reliability. These watershed-based plans consider water and power resources and infrastructure performance under
changing water supply and demand conditions. They also help develop strategies to meet current and future water
needs and include a trade-off analysis of the strategies. Examples: Colorado River Basin Studv and others

•	WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program studies help diverse groups such as Tribes, private property
owners, nonprofit groups and government agencies collaborate to address water management needs via watershed
restoration planning and management project design. Examples: The Chickasaw Nation: others

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

•	CWA Section 319 Program watershed-based plans provide an analytic framework for managing efforts to restore water
quality and protect watershed health. The plans address nonpoint source pollution by identifying the pollutants and the
management measures to address them. Example: Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation

•	Source water protection plans, also called wellhead protection plans, identify and prioritize long-term management
strategies to protect a community's drinking water sources. They pinpoint critical groundwater and surface water
resources. They note the potential contaminants and the risks they pose and develop strategies to address the risks.
These efforts often overlap with watershed planning efforts. Example: Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

Protecting and Restoring Waters

21


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
4. Conservation Topic Areas



Technical Assistance Resource Spotlights

How's My Waterway

The EPA's How's Mv Waterway tool provides an accessible arid
understandable picture of water quality at a Tribal scale with data that
Tribal, state, federal and local agencies and others have provided to the
EPA. Using a desktop or mobile device, learn about the health of local
waters and what's being done to restore or protect them.

Water Quality Portal

The Water Quality Portal provides access to U.S. water quality data. This
cooperative service integrates publicly available water quality data from
over 400 state, federal, Tribal and local agencies.

Measuring, Assessing and Monitoring Water

The USGS's Measuring and Monitoring Water website provides
information and links to tools to assist with water quality monitoring.
Tools include the USGS National Water Dashboard, an interactive map to
access real-time water data from over 13,500 gauge stations nationwide,
and the USGS Water Data for the Nation, a dashboard for groundwater
and surface water data collected at approximately 1.9 million sites.
The USGS's Water Quality After Wildfire webpage helps communities
understand how wildfire can affect their water resources.

How's My Waterway?

Explore, Discover and Learn about your water.

Community | State & Tril

i8l Wyandotte Nation at a Glance
8

- |—=

8

^~l



Q









: ,

.#

JP

•

©

¦' |

<. %-J'

9

1 f



^ Wyandotte Nation Water Quality
:hoose a Topic:

Pick your Water Type and Us

Assessed Rivers and Streams that support Cold Water Aquatic Life

Five segments on the Wyandotte
Nation reservation are impaired for
cold water quality life use. Additional
tabs show the status of these waters
for other uses.

OFFICE OF WATER 2022-2026

CLIMATE ADAPTATION
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

Protecting and Restoring Waters in a Changing Climate

•	Chapter 4 of the Fifth National Climate Assessment, or NCA5, focuses on
climate change's effects on water resources and the people depending on
them.

•	The EPA's Office of Water 2022 - 2026 Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
describes how the agency and its partners are advancing climate change
adaptation and resilience through the EPA's water programs.

•	The USDA's 2021 Action Plan for Climate Adaption and Resilience includes a
section on climate change threats to water quantity and quality.

Including Indigenous Knowledge
in Protecting and Restoring Waters

The Tribes and First Nations of the Yukon River, working together through the Yukon River Inter-Tribal
Watershed Council, have developed the Yukon River Watershed Plan to protect and improve the water
quality in the Yukon River. The watershed plan aims to ensure the Yukon River will sustain future
generations of people, fish, wildlife and plants. The plan combines the best of modern science and policy
with the Indigenous Knowledge of the people and governments of the Yukon River Tribes, and it includes
specific, enforceable standards to protect the river's quality, quantity and flow. Since 2006, the Council and
Yukon River Basin communities have partnered with the USGS to collect high-quality environmental data
about the water quality and landscape changes; see the USGS/lndiaenous Observation Network website.
The Council has also worked with Tribes to develop Water Resilience and Climate Adaptation Strategies that
focus on an intergenerational approach for combining Indigenous Knowledge and Western science. These
strategies will guide future water protection and conservation efforts.

Resources like the EPA's
plan can provide ideas for
Tribal projects.

22

Protecting and Restoring Waters


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
4. Conservation Topic Areas

Tribal Case Study

Bishop Paiute Tribe: Supporting Wetland Habitats
with Multiple Funding Sources

The Bishop Paiute Tribe actively manages 25 acres of wetland habitat known

as the Conservation Open Space Area, originally established as a mitigation area to

offset impacts from development. The Tribe has received several federal grants to help

monitor and restore the area to introduce the federally listed endangered Owens pupfish, a culturally

important fish species for the Tribe. Currently, the area is now home to pupfish and other native fish

and plants like the hybridized tui chub, Owens sucker, Owens speckled dace, Nupitchi and the Owens

Valley checkerbloom.

In 2012, the Tribe received an EPA
Wetland Program Development
Grant and developed a wetland
program plan, prioritized wetland
restoration locations, identified
optimum restoration techniques
and began collecting water
quality data in the wetlands.
The Tribe received another grant
in 2019 to refine the wetland
program and integrate the
previous 7 years of wetland data
into the management framework.

1 Conservation Open Space Area on the Bishop Paiute Reservation

The Tribe launched its water quality program in 1998
with help from the EPA's CWA Sections 106 (water
pollution control) and 319 (nonpoint source pollution)
programs. The Tribe developed an ambient water
quality monitoring program, water quality standards
and a watershed-based plan and has restored waters
impaired by invasive species and nonpoint source
pollution. Grants from the EPA's CWA Section 319
Competitive Grant Program have helped the Tribe
restore critical areas along Bishop Creek.

I The area supports native species, provides a natural area
for the Tribe and community and serves as a key site for
	 _	,	education and outreach events.

Reinvestment Act to build ponds that would become

part of the Conservation Open Space Area. In 2011, the Tribe received a FWS Tribal Wildlife Grant to
monitor invasive species, such as perennial pepperweed and American bullfrog, in the wetlands and
establish ponds for existing native
species.

Protecting and Restoring Waters

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Tribal Clean Water Act Section 106 Grants (EPA)

Federal Funding Assistance Programs Spotlight

0 Tribal set-aside

• Description: Noncompetitive grant funding to assist eligible Tribes in establishing and implementing
water pollution control programs, including ambient water quality monitoring and assessment and
developing and implementing water quality standards.

•	Eligible activities: Administering state and Tribal water quality planning programs, water quality
standards programs, total maximum daily load programs, water quality monitoring/assessments
programs, stormwater permitting programs, compliance and enforcement programs, groundwater
protection programs, etc.

•	Applicant notes: Required reporting includes three programmatic deliverables: a monitoring strategy,
water quality data and a water quality assessment.

•	Funding: ~$27M in FY24. EPA awards vary for base funding per Tribe with Treatment in a Similar
Manner as a State, or TAS, status. No match is required. Funding is generally distributed in the fall.

•	Information: EPA's Tribal Grants under Section 106 of the Clean Water Act website.

•	Description: Each year, eligible Tribes can apply for both a noncompetitive base grant and a
competitive grant to support implementation of Tribal programs to address nonpoint source pollution
affecting Tribal waters.

•	Eligible activities: Funding for Tribal staff positions, nonpoint source-related training for Tribal staff,
developing watershed-based plans, riparian planting, livestock exclusion fencing, lake protection and
restoration activities, ordinance development and outreach and education.

•	Applicant notes: Must be a federally recognized Tribe with TAS status and an EPA-approved nonpoint
source assessment report and management plan. Tribe must meet eligibility requirements in the fall.

•	Funding: FY24: $13.2M total. Base grants: $45,000-$70,000 annually (depending on Tribal land area).
Competitive grants: Up to $125,000 for on-the-ground nonpoint source project implementation. Match
requirements vary (0%-40% of total project costs; can include in-kind support).

•	Information: EPA's Tribal Nonpoint Source Program and Current 319 Grant Information websites.

•	Description: Cost-share program to carry out water-related planning activities or activities relating to
the study, design and construction of water resources development projects. These activities benefit
federally recognized Tribes and are located within Indian country or in proximity to Alaska Native
Villages.

•	Eligible activities: Flood and hurricane storm risk assessment, erosion control, environmental
restoration, preserving cultural and natural resources and other projects. The authority allows for
technical assistance and comprehensive planning activities that do not lead to construction.

•	Applicant notes: To start the process, a Tribe submits a letter of interest to the relevant USACE district.
If approved and federal funding is available, USACE partners with the Tribe to determine a scope of
work before entering into a Feasibility Cost-Sharing Agreement.

Tribal Clean Water Act Section 319 Grants (EPA)

0 Tribal set-aside

Tribal Partnership Program (USACE)

0 Tribe-only

24

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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
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•	Funding: ~$5M annually for studies; separate funding for construction activities. Cost sharing varies
depending on project type. Additional cost-share waivers and ability-to-pay reductions are available for
Tribal partners. For more details, please reach out to your District Tribal Liaison.

•	Information: USACE's Tribal Partnership Program Guidance website. Contact your USACE district office
or Tribal liaison.

Water Management, Planning and Pre-Development Program (BIA)	Tribe-only

•	Description: Competitive grants and technical assistance to support the protection and sustainable
management of Tribal water resources; ensures that water supplies on reservations and public domain
allotments are utilized effectively and sustainably; and promotes sound water resource management
practices that enhance the quality of life, environment and economic conditions for Tribal communities.

•	Eligible activities: Technical assistance, water surveys and training to develop capacity for water
resources management, planning, research and studies.

•	Funding: Competitive process that prioritizes projects that address critical water resource management
needs. Funding amounts vary based on the scope and nature of the proposed projects. Letters soliciting
funding requests are sent to Tribes yearly. Applications are due in September.

•	Information: BIA's Water Management. Planning and Pre-Development Program website.

WaterSMART (USBR)

•	Description: WaterSMART offers competitive grants for projects that increase water supply reliability
and sustainability by modernizing existing infrastructure and avoiding potential water conflicts.

•	Eligible activities: Multiple funding opportunities support projects on:

—	Water and energy efficiency, such as implementing canal lining/piping and on-farm irrigation

—	Small-scale water efficiency, such as adding irrigation measures and flow measurement

—	Drought resiliency, such as by building new infrastructure

—	Planning and project design, such as by conducting water strategy and drought planning

—	Water resources management and conservation to protect ecological values or watershed health

—	Applied science and aquatic ecosystem restoration

•	Applicant notes: Generally, applicants must be in the Western United States or U.S. Territories, Alaska
and Hawaii; check individual funding opportunities for eligibility requirements.

•	Funding: A nonfederal cost-share of 0%-50% or more of the project cost is required, depending on
funding opportunity and project type. Awards vary based on annual appropriations.

•	Information: USBR's WaterSMART website.

Funding Response and Resiliency

The 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law supports
some short-term funding opportunities through 2025
to help address climate-related water resource issues,
such as flooding - see FEMA's Swift Current Initiative.

Protecting and Restoring Waters

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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
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Resource Links

Federal
EPA

•	The interagency Federal Infrastructure Task Force to Improve Access to Safe Drinking Water and
Basic Sanitation to Tribal Communities develops and coordinates federal activities to deliver water
infrastructure, wastewater infrastructure and solid waste management services.

•	Protecting Waters and Wetlands in Indian Country: A Guide for Developing Tribal Wetland Management
Programs informs Tribes interested in managing and protecting wetlands and waters.

•	The Tribal Source Water Protection Project Examples webpage features source water protection
projects from Tribes and Nations across the country that highlight collaboration, creativity and the
leveraging of programs and partnerships.

•	The Water Finance Clearinghouse portal helps communities with decisions about their water-related
environmental needs.

USACE

•	How to Plan a Water Resources Project with the U.S. Armv Coras of Engineers: A Guide for Tribal &
Alaska Native Village Governments f5th Editionl provides Tribal partners with a better understanding of
how best to work with the USACE.

uses

•	EcoSHEDS offers a series of user-friendly online tools for understanding and supporting research,
management and decision-making for hydro-ecological resources. Although each feature is regional in
scope, tools are available for Alaska, the Northeast, the Pacific Northwest and the Chesapeake Bay and
Lower Mississippi River watersheds.

Other

•	The Journal of Contemporary Water Research & Education focused on Tribes in 2018 and 2020.

•	The National Tribal Water Center helps connect Tribes with training and technical assistance for
operating and maintaining safe and sustainable water services.

•	The National Tribal Water Council's A Guidebook for Developing Tribal Water Quality Standards helps
Tribes develop their own water quality standards.

•	The River Network maintains a Tapping Into Federal Funding webpage supporting water projects.

•	The Tribal Clean Water group helps Tribes finds and access funding to develop and maintain clean
drinking water infrastructure. Resources include a 2024 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation
Reduction Act Funding Handbook.

26

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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
4. Conservation Topic Areas

~ Protecting Air Quality

Introduction

Tribes focus on monitoring and improving
air quality to protect public health and
ecosystem conditions. To help Tribes increase
their management, data collection and regulatory control
over the air quality in their communities, the EPA offers
resources through grant and technical assistance programs
under the Clean Air Act. Programs support air pollution
monitoring and control and regulations.

Clean air affects human and ecosystem health, the local
economy and cultural and recreation opportunities. Health
implications vary depending on the pollutant type and
exposure and range from respiratory irritation to cancer ant
long-term systemic damage. Polluted air can lead to missed
cultural, work and outdoor opportunities for Tribal citizens
and youth. Air pollution reduces visibility, which affects
recreational and economic opportunities in national parks
and wilderness areas. For more details on the importance
of good air quality, see Our Nation's Air 2019. The Clean Air
Act and the Economy. Class I - Air and the Regional Haze
Program.

Similarly, water quality and other natural resources are affected
depending on the types and amount of air pollution. Atmospheric
deposition of nitrogen and sulfur leads to acidification, eutrophication
and a loss of biodiversity in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

Mercury and other heavy metal compounds deposited from the air can
enter water and accumulate in plants and animals, some of which are
consumed by people [see Ecosystems and Air Oualitvl.

Introduction to the Federal Clean Air Act

Congress designed the CAA to combat air pollution problems and to
tackle emerging pollution threats. Congress established the CAA in 1970 and made major revisions in 1977
and 1990. To protect public health and welfare under the CAA, the EPA established national ambient air
quality standards for six common criteria pollutants: particulate matter, ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen
dioxide, carbon monoxide and lead. The CAA identifies primary and secondary national ambient air
quality standards. Primary standards set limits to protect public health, including the health of "sensitive"
populations, such as asthmatics, children and older adults. Secondary standards set limits to protect public
welfare, including protection against decreased visibility and damage to animals, crops, vegetation and
buildings. States must adopt enforceable plans to achieve and maintain air quality that meets the standards.

The Tribal Authority Rule authorizes eligible Tribes to implement their own air programs. The rule provides
that Tribes will be treated in the same manner as states for virtually all CAA programs. For Tribes choosing
not to develop and manage air quality programs, the EPA will implement programs on their behalf [see
Direct Implementation in Indian Countrvl.

Clean Air Act Accomplishments

The passage of the 1990 CAA Amendments
improved Americans' well-being by reducing
exposure to air pollutants. The CAA has
been amended over the years to increase
protections for human health as technology
has improved. Since 1990, the CAA has:
(1) avoided 5.4 million lost school days
due to children's respiratory illness and
other diseases caused or exacerbated by
air pollution; (2) prevented 17 million lost
workdays, leading to improved worker
productivity and a stronger economy; and
(3) reduced many other impacts to people and
communities (see the Benefits and Costs of
the CAA 1990-2020 for a comprehensive list).

About 80% of all

fish consumption

....	HO

advisories in	2

the U.S. involve Connection
mercury. Most
mercury in water
comes from air deposition
related to coal combustion
and waste incineration (EPA).

Protecting Air Quality

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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
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Example Federal Planning Framework to Protect Air Quality

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

• Tribal Implementation Plans are air quality plans developed by Tribes to help attain/maintain the national ambient
air quality standards for criteria air pollutants and fulfill other CAA requirements. Unlike states, Tribes can opt not to
develop a Tribal Implementation Plan, in which case the EPA will develop a Federal Implementation Plan to protect air
quality, as needed. Examples: Mashantucket Peauot Tribe: Gila River Indian Community.

| Partly cloudy skies over the Bishop Paiute Tribe's 25 acres of wetland habitat in eastern California.

28

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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
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Technical Assistance Resource Spotlights
AirNow

AirNow is a crowd-sourced, one-stop portal for air
quality data, available through the EPA's website or
AirNow mobile app. Tribes and federal, state and local
agencies submit their data to AirNow, which offers:

•	Current and forecast air quality maps and data.

•	Current fire conditions, including fire locations,
smoke plumes and air quality data from air
quality monitors.

•	Health and air quality information for the public
and health managers.

Tribal Ambient Air Quality Monitoring

The EPA's Tribal Air Quality Monitoring website
provides guidance for Tribes wishing to develop and
implement Tribal air monitoring programs on Tribal
lands.

AirNow data for the Lemoore, California, area, which
includes air quality data provided by the Tachi Yokut Tribe.

Including Indigenous Knowledge
in Air Quality Protection

In 2024, the Nez Perce Tribe received a $1.3M
grant from EPA's Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in
Community Buildings Grant Program to better protect
the Tribal members' health. With this funding, the
Tribe is deploying portable air filters. The Tribe is also
conducting indoor and outdoor air monitoring and
upgrading HVAC systems at three community centers,
four youth centers and nine public libraries on the
Nez Perce Reservation —sites where Tribal members
frequently gather to share knowledge and take part
in cultural events. For more information, see the
Nez Perce Tribe press release.

Tribes have historically played an important role in environmental issues including air quality and climate change.
Tribal citizens are often disproportionately affected by air pollution, while their governments play an increasingly
valuable role in controlling and reducing pollution and its adverse health effects.

Regulatory Resources

Policy and Planning

Tribal Minor New Source Review (NSR'i

Tribal Authority Rule (TAR)

Developing a Tribal Implementation Plan (TIP)

Handbook for Interacting with Tribal Governments
Tribal Policy Documents
Class I Redesisnation
Tribal Air Grants Framework

This EPA webpage is a one-stop-shop for air
management resources.

Tribes are particularly vulnerable to the
impacts of climate change and are taking steps
to prepare for and become more resilient to
these changes. Learn about the environmental
programs and technical assistance regarding air
quality on tribal lands.

Protecting Air Quality in a Changing Climate

Chanter 14 of the NCA5 explores climate change's
effects on air quality.

The EPA's Tribal Air and Climate Resources
website provides details about environmental
programs and technical assistance available to
help Tribes.

oEPA

Tribal Air and Climate Resources

Air Quality on Tribal
lands.

Protecting Air Quality

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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
4. Conservation Topic Areas

Tribal Case Study

Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation:

A Collaborative Approach to Air Quality Management

The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Environmental Trust
Department began with the support of federal funds 50 years ago and has relied
on EPA CAA Section 105 grant funds to build a strong air quality management program. The Tribes' Air
Quality Program, which conducts air monitoring for the Colville Reservation, educates the community
about protecting air quality and coordinates with EPA to Implement federal air quality laws.

The Air Quality Program leads the Okanogan River Airshed Partnership, an example of collaborative
air quality management among Tribes and state and federal agencies. Smoke from fires on or near the
Colville Reservation in the early 2010s caused community health and environmental concerns. A 2015
fire burned about 263,000 acres, and the air quality index was in the hazardous range for several days,
leading to Tribal office closures and outdoor work restrictions. Kris Ray, the Tribes' Air Quality Manager
at the time, reached out to federal, state and local agencies and elected leaders to address health
concerns caused by wildfire smoke. This collaborative effort became the Okanogan River Airshed
Partnership which includes partners across the Okanogan River Valley.

The partners implement management strategies to reduce
PM2.5 emissions - particulate matter less than 2.5 micromete
wide-that form in smoke from wildfires, woodstoves and the
burning of backyard debris and orchard piles. The Air Quality
Program received funds from the Washington Department of
Ecology's Wood Smoke Reduction Grant Program to support
a woodstove buyback program, which pays $250 for each
old woodstove turned in for recycling. "Community members
appreciate our work as we continue to improve their health
by decreasing PM2.5," explains Kathy Moses with the
Environmental Trust Department. The Partnership educates
and encourages the community through newspaper ads.
radio spots, yard signs, newsletters and other means.

The Partnership established a network of air quality
monitoring stations and sensors across the airshed,
providing real-time data to inform decision-making. The
Tribes and Ecology cooperatively operate a permanent
continuous PM2.5 monitor. The Tribes recently received
another CAA Section 105 grant to support an air quality
technician and an expansion of their program.

Encouraging an active partnership is essential. The Air
Quality Program hosts meetings to listen, learn and
collaborate with partners, and new people step up with new

energy and ideas when others retire or move to new positions. "We work closely with our partners to
support their projects," adds Moses. "We share each other's success."

rs



//BurnSafeOkanogan
Our Air.

Our Responsibility.

| A yard sign available from the Partnership.

I A Partnership member explaining the results of

¦

a community open burning survey.

30

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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
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Diesel Emission Reduction Act: Tribal and Territory Grants Areas (EPA)

Federal Funding Assistance Programs Spotlight

0 Tribal set-aside

• Description: Competitive grants and rebates program that protects human health and improves air
quality by reducing harmful emissions from diesel engines.

•	Eligible activities: Diesel emissions reduction solutions, including retrofits, idle reduction, aerodynamic
and low-rolling resistance tires, certified engine replacements and conversions, and certified vehicle or
equipment replacement.

•	Funding: Approximately $7M for Tribes awarded across 10-15 projects; no more than $800,000
requested per project; limit of two applications per participant. No match is required. Applications are
due in October; awards are announced in February.

•	Information: EPA Tribal and Territory Grants: Diesel Emissions Reduction Act website.

•	Description: Supports short-term projects aimed at conducting and promoting research investigations,
experiments, demonstrations, surveys and studies relating to the causes, extent, prevention and
control, and health and welfare effects of air pollution.

•	Eligible activities: Air quality characterization studies, identification of air pollution sources, air quality
monitoring baseline studies, training and community education and outreach projects.

•	Applicant notes: TAS is not required.

•	Funding: No match required.

•	Information: EPA Tribal Air and Climate Resources and Tribal Air Grants Framework websites.

•	Description: Grants for implementing programs for preventing and controlling air pollution or
implementing national primary and secondary ambient air quality standards.

•	Eligible activities: Implementation activities, including planning, developing, establishing or
maintaining programs.

•	Applicant notes: Tribes can obtain a Section 105 grant without TAS status, but TAS offers advantages
such as reduced match requirements. Section 105 grants are eligible to be combined into a
Performance Partnership Grant.

•	Funding: Match up to 40% required if Tribes are not in a Performance Partnership Grant [0% match] or
have TAS status (5%-10% match); match may be waived for financial hardship.

•	Information: EPA Tribal Air and Climate Resources and Tribal Air Grants Framework websites.

Clean Air Act Section 103 Grants for Tribes (EPA)

0 Tribal set-aside

Clean Air Act Section 105 Grants for Tribes (EPA)

0 Tribal set-aside

Protecting Air Quality

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Resource Links

Federal
EPA

•	The Air Finance Clearinghouse portal is designed to help communities with decisions about their
environmental needs.

•	The Air Sensor Loan Programs bring air sensor technology to the public for supplemental monitoring
and educational purposes (see Tribal examples!.

•	The Clean Air Status and Trends Network fCASTNET)
is a national monitoring network established

to assess trends in pollutant concentrations,
atmospheric deposition and ecological effects due to
changes in air pollutant emissions.

•	The State and Tribal Indoor Radon Grants Program
offers resources to support the national goal of
minimizing and preventing radon-related lung cancer.

•	The Tribal Air Coordinators can connect Tribes with
necessary information.

FWS

•	The Air Quality Program monitors air quality to
minimize human-caused air pollution's harm to
wildlife and sensitive wildlife habitat on national
wildlife refuges.

Clean Air Status and Trends Network
(CASTNET)

t j

If*



Monitoring Sites

'D



-*¦

V - • V

CASTNET is a national monitoring network established to assess trends in pollutant concentrations, atmospheric
deposition, and ecological effects due to changes in air pollutant emissions. See the B CASTNET Overview Fact
Sheet (pdfi (3.26 MB, August, 2024) and the CASTNET Ozone Monitoring page for more information.

Monitoring

• Special Studies

¦	Independent Audits

¦	Related Programs

Download Data Publications

. CASTNET Pata
> CASTNET Concentration &

' Data Use Terms

• 6 Tribal Program (pdfi (542.23
KB, Jan. 2024)

Other

CASTNET is a multipollutant air quality network that
includes rural monitoring sites.

The Institute of Tribal Environmental
Professionals' American Indian Air Quality
Training Program provides support to
(1) help build Tribal capacity for air quality
management, [2] provide high-quality, up-to-
date training and (3] enhance skills to promote
collaboration and networking.

The National Tribal Air Association's annual
Status of Tribal Air Report provides a national
overview of Tribal air quality programs,
including needs, priorities, recommendations
and successes and challenges.

AB0UT P0UCVRtS0URCtKt,s RES0U

> Status of Tribal Air Report

The Status of Tribal Air Report (STAR)

publication intended to provide an understanding of
I Tubal air programs. Nationally vetted Tribal needs.

ises and challenges
illghted by way of personal
analysis appendix Is
uid over the,years a variety of other

opics. Below you c

find the most recent STAR, as well as several stand alone sections of the STAR,Sc
down to access STAR publk

I The Status of Tribal Air Report is an annual publication
showing the importance and impact of Tribal air programs.

32

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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
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Protecting Wildlife and Habitat
—¦ Introduction

\ / Tribal lands and waters provide habitat for fish
and wildlife, including more than 525 federally
listed threatened and endangered plants and animals,
many of which have important ecological and cultural significance,
according to a Native American Fish and Wildlife Society
publication.6 Federal programs and tools are available to help Tribes
plan and implement strategies to protect wildlife and habitat.

Programs support ensuring the rights of species and nature and
protecting, restoring and creating habitat by acquiring conservation
easements, establishing native plants, encouraging biodiversity,
enabling fish passage and other activities.

Example Federal Planning Frameworks for Protecting Wildlife and Habitat

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

•	Hatchery and Genetics Management Plans are developed by state fish and wildlife agencies in compliance with the
Endangered Species Act 4(d) rule to assess the impacts of a hatchery on federally listed anadromous fish. These plans
address hatchery operations in detail, covering facilities, fish propagation and release methods and performance
measures. Examples: Hoopa Vallev Tribe: West Coast Hatchery Plans

Natural Resources Conservation Service

•	NRCS conservation plans can help farmers, ranchers and other landowners develop conservation objectives and
management strategies for their property, including creating and improving wildlife habitat. Landowners must have
a conservation plan to be eligible for NRCS conservation program funding, which can support installing practices like
tree/shrub establishment, herbaceous weed control and forest stand improvement. Examples: Pacific Northwest Tribal
Aeroforestrv: Navaio Nation (also see Stewarding Lands section for more information)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

•	Habitat Conservation Plans are required under Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act as part of an application for a
permit by any nonfederal entity whose otherwise-lawful activities will result in the "incidental take" of a listed wildlife
species. These plans describe the anticipated effects of the proposed taking, and they outline actions to minimize or
mitigate the effects and with what funding. Example: Aeua Calierite Band of Cahuilla Indians

•	State Wildlife Action Plans, although not Tribal- specific, these plans may serve as blueprints for conserving fish and
wildlife and preventing loss of endangered species. Each state submitted a plan, beginning in 2005 and updated every
10 years, for approval to the FWS as a condition for receiving funding through the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants
program, in 2023, FWS issued voluntary guidance for improving Tribal engagement in these plans. Example: Idaho State
Wildlife Action Plan

While currently covering
less than 6% of the

H 0

conterminous United	?

States, wetlands provide
critical habitat for
plant and animal species.
Approximately half of North
American bird species and half
of all federally threatened and
endangered species are wetland-
dependent (EPA)-

Connection

A USGS hydrologist and a Tribal
environmental technician seine for fish and
insects during a Tribal training class near
Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.

Protecting Wildlife and Habitat

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Technical Assistance Resource Spotlights

Environmental Conservation Online System

The FWS's Environmental Conservation Online System
is a gateway website that provides access to threatened
and endangered species-related data from FWS and other
government data sources. Through ECOS, the public
may access regional conservation plans, the Wildlife &
Environmental Contaminants Mapper, information for
planning and consultation, species reports and web-
based data services. The FWS National Listing Workplan
prioritizes ongoing endangered species listing and habitat
decisions based on the needs of candidate and petitioned
species, while providing greater clarity and predictability
about the timing of listing determinations.

Conservation Assessment and Planning

Through the Conservation Effects Assessment Project,

USDA delivers tools that support conservation assessment
and planning across diverse landscapes and encompassing
varied management goals. USDA and its partners have
developed four web-based tools:

•	Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework is a
web-based resource that supports targeted, strategic
conservation planning at the small watershed scale
(roughly 35 square miles).

•	Predictor of Avian Communities Tool allows users to
assess the potential effects of forest composition and
management decisions on select bird communities in
the temperate forests of the eastern United States and
Canada.

•	Rangeland Analysis Platform provides users direct
access to geospatial vegetation data for U.S. rangeland.

•	Vegetation GIS Data System provides a suite of
software applications that allow users to record,
manage, analyze and report on natural resources
data across multiple land types, including rangeland,
cropland and forests.

-o etos.ftvs.gov/ecp/

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

I ECOS Environmental Conservation Online System

Conserving the Nature of America

ECOS Home

Public

Applications

Conservation Plans

Threatened & Endangered Species

ECOS serves a variety of reports related to FWS Threatened and Endangered Species.
A selection of our most popular reports is listed below. See the Species Reports for
the complete list.

and Consultation (IPaC)
Species Reports

•	All Threatened and Endangered Animals
»	All Threatened and Endangered Plants

•	Critical I labitat Report

•	Section 7 Consultation Issued Biological Opinions

•	Delisted Species

•	Listed Species Summary (BoxM-Uiel

»	Reclassified Species	

1 The ECOS website provides links to many resources.

. Agricultural
r Conservation

With the ACPF you can leverage the power of
geo-spatial data to make strategic field-scale
conservation decisions

The Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework (ACPF) is a free

THE AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION PLANNING FRAMEWORK NATIONAL HUB

The National Hub for the Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework Is focused or

Monitor rangelands across the USA

Apps and Tools

Production Explorer

Examples of two landing pages for the Conservation
Effects Assessment Project's online resources: the
Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework (top)
and the Rangeland Analysis Platform (bottom).

Protecting Wildlife and Habitat in a Changing Climate

Chapter 8 of the NCA5 focuses on climate change's effects on ecosystems, ecosystem services and
biodiversity.

The FWS's Conservation & Adaptation Toolbox supports knowledge sharing, co-develops tools and
promotes collaborative action to improve management outcomes for priority issues. The toolbox
includes a case study dashboard and decision-support systems related to invasive species control,

including the Non-Native Aquatic Species Toolkit and the Non-Native Aquatic Species Regulatory
Support Tool.

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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
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Including Indigenous Knowledge in Protecting Wildlife and Habitat

Winnemem Wintu Tribe: Restoring Salmon

For thousands of years, the Winnemem Wintu Tribe's culture and lifeway has been dependent and
intertwined with their relatives the Nur, also known as winter-run Chinook salmon. Over the past 200 years,
the Winnemem Wintu and Nur aiso share a history of displacement and population crashes, resulting from
the arrival of settlers, commercial fisheries and actions by the state and federal government, including the
construction of dams throughout California's Central Valley In the face of adversity, the Winnemem Wintu
Tribe has continued to advocate for its people and the Nur.

As the original stewards of the species, the
Winnemem Wintu are partnering with government
agencies and others to reintroduce winter-run
Chinook salmon to their spawning grounds in the
mountain headwaters. In 2022, the Winnemem
Wintu Tribe, the California Department of Fish and
Wildlife, NOAA Fisheries and the FWS celebrated
the return of endangered winter-run Chinook
salmon eggs to the McCloud River upstream of
Shasta Reservoir for the first time since the Shasta
Dam was built in the 1940s.

The Tribe's Indigenous Knowledge plays a central
role in salmon reintroduction efforts. Historically,
to support their fish-centric diet and culture, the
Winnemem Wintu people constructed holding
pools up and down the river as refuges for young
salmon from predators and rapids. The Tribe used
this knowledge when working with University
of California-Davis fish biologists to desisn a better streamside hatching trav that mimicked the McCloud
River's flows, rocks and plant iife. The resulting technology allows fry more time to practice swimming
against the currents and lets them choose when to leave the nest.

In 2023, the Tribe signed a co-management agreement with the state and a co-stewardship agreement with
NOAA Fisheries, both of which call for the Tribe to contribute Traditional Ecological Knowledge as part
of its role as a co-equal decision-maker in efforts to restore Chinook salmon to their historic habitat. This
agreement includes studies for a volitional passageway that will allow for the salmon to bypass Shasta Dam
without trap and transport, as well as planning for the potential return of the Winnemem Wintu's ancestral
Nur from New Zealand. For more information, see NOAA's The Original Salmon Stewards website.

"The success of our salmon reintroduction program is the result of many years
of tireless advocacy, consultation and constructive cooperation with a myriad of
agencies, non-governmental organizations, consultants and funding sources to
address a multitude of interrelated water and environmental issues, all of which
is accomplished by a small, underfunded non-federally recognized California State
Historic Native American Tribe with limited capacity."

- Mark Miyoshi, Winnemem Wintu Tribal Historic Preservation Officer

The McCloud River begins on the flanks of Mount Shasta
and was one of the last strongholds of California Chinook
salmon as mining and other development devastated
salmon runs in other Northern California rivers.

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Tribal Case Study

Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians:

Partnering to Replace a Culvert Restores Habitat

The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, or HBMI. has long been connected to
the Meduxnekeag River, which has provided sustenance for generations. HBMI
a FWS Tribal Wildlife Grant to complete a fish habitat assessment and restoration priority plan in
2010, which identified a cracked, undersized culvert along Moose Brook as a high-priority project for
reconnecting fish habitat.

HBMI requested USACE support to help identify potential restoration measures for diadromous fish
populations. As required before a watershed assessment study could be initiated, USACE conducted
and funded a reconnaissance study under the Tribal Partnership Program, which confirmed federal
interest in partnering with HBMI. USACE and HBMI then established a cost-sharing agreement for the
watershed assessment in 2014. The plan focused on collaboration between partners, rights holders and
stakeholders to develop recommendations.

In 2021, HBMI and several partners began addressing the failing culvert on Moose Brook. Erosion had
left the culvert perched above the water line, preventing fish from moving upstream. The cracked
culvert also damaged the roadway above-the primary route to a manufacturing facility serving as a
key local employer. The intersection of wildlife habitat concerns and roadway functionality facilitated a
strong partnership between HBMI, the Town of Houlton and other interested parties.

Instead of replacing the culvert, the team
realigned the stream and installed a bridge
to restore the natural channel. The HBMI,
with help from The Nature Conservancy,
received FWS Tribal Wildlife Grant and
NRCS Resource Conservation Partnership
Program funds. The Town of Houlton, which
owned the culvert, received a Municipal
Stream Crossing Upgrade Grant from
the Maine Department of Environmental
Protection and a Pre-Disaster Mitigation
Grant from FEMA to support the project.

Ultimately, this project reconnected nearly
10 miles of aquatic habitat.

The project is an excellent example of collaborative partnering, and It helped the Tribe gain new
conservation project expertise. HBMI has worked with state and federal agencies, nongovernmental
organizations and other Tribes for over 30 years, building relationships and an ability to leverage
grants and other funding sources. EPA CWA Section 319 funding supports HBMI natural resource staff,
who maintain the partnerships by attending meetings and actively supporting partners' projects and
activities. HBMI also works with the conservation district/NRCS, EPA and FWS on local watersheds,
explained HBMI's Sharri Venno. "Collaborative watershed planning has been an important partnering
strategy for us."

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Tribal Wildlife Grants (FWS)

Federal Funding Assistance Programs Spotlight

0 Tribe-only

• Description: Competitive grant funding for technical and financial assistance to federally
recognized Tribes for developing and implementing programs benefiting fish and wildlife resources and
their habitat, including species of Native American cultural or traditional importance and species that
are not hunted or fished.

•	Eligible activities: Planning for wildlife and habitat conservation, fish and wildlife conservation and
management actions, fish- and wildlife-related laboratory and field research, natural history studies,
habitat mapping, field surveys and population monitoring, habitat preservation, project-related public
education and other activities.

•	Funding: Maximum award is $200,000; minimum award is $10,000. No match is required. In 2023,
71 proposals were received and 36 awards were issued.7

•	Information: See the FWS's Tribal Wildlife Grants website or contact the National Native American
Programs Coordinator to speak with a Tribal Wildlife Grant specialist.

Fish Passage Technical and Planning Assistance (FWS)

•	Description: Annual competitive financial and technical assistance for collaborative projects that
restores aquatic connectivity. The program helps communities remove obsolete and dangerous barriers,
permanently eliminating public safety hazards and restoring and reconnecting river ecosystems. The
resulting projects benefit communities by reconnecting aquatic habitat, increasing flood resilience and
saving money in long-term repair and replacement costs.

•	Eligible activities: Projects that improve the ability of native fish or other aquatic species to migrate by
reconnecting habitat that has been fragmented by a barrier such as a dam or culvert.

•	Applicant notes: Must work in cooperation with the local Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (contact
for guidance).

•	Funding: Program contributes about $70,000 per project (no upper limit). Preferred match includes
50% match from federal or nonfederal sources, with an overall program match of 1:1 that is flexible and
can include in-kind contributions.

•	Information: See FWS's Fish Passage Technical and Planning Assistance website.

•	Description: Competitive grant funding for Tribally led activities that have direct conservation benefits
for Endangered Species Act-listed species. Recently delisted, proposed and candidate species are also
eligible.

•	Eligible activities: May involve management, research, monitoring and outreach activities or any
combination thereof.

•	Funding: No cost sharing or match is required under this solicitation. If sufficient funds are available,
new awards are expected to range from $10,000 to $100,000 per year; however, there is no set
minimum or maximum for any award.

•	Information: NOAA's Funded Species Recovery Grants to Tribes website.

Species Recovery Grants to Tribes (N0AA)

0 Tribe-only

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Endangered Species Program (BIA)	Tribe-only

•	Description: Annual competitive grant program supporting projects that encompass either endangered
species as identified in the Endangered Species Act or Tribally significant species as identified in a
Tribal document, management plan or Tribal Resolution.

•	Eligible activities: Projects that directly relate to restoration, management and/or economic
development of Tribal trust resources. Priority consideration is given to projects achieving Endangered
Species Act compliance and approval to use Tribal trust resources for subsistence, economic or other
purposes beneficial to the applicant.

•	Funding: Each application may request up to $120,000 in project funding. An eligible entity may
submit multiple applications.

•	Information: See BIA's Endangered Species Program website.

Invasive Species Program (BIA)	Tribe-only

•	Description: Annual competitive grants for projects alleviating or preventing the negative impacts of
invasive plant and animal species on Tribes and their natural resources.

•	Eligible activities: Efforts aimed to control, manage or prevent invasive species.

•	Funding: An eligible entity may submit multiple applications for up to $200,000 each. Participants are
encouraged to use the Section 638 contract to facilitate reporting and funding support. Applications
are due to the BIA regional office by January 15.

•	Information: BIA's Invasive Species Program website.

WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program (USBR)

•	Description: Annual competitive grants support projects
that restore or protect aquatic ecosystems.

•	Eligible activities: Projects to study, design and
construct aquatic ecosystem restoration projects that are
collaboratively developed. Projects that have widespread
regional benefits and result in the improvement of the
health of fisheries, wildlife and aquatic habitat through
restoration and improved fish passage.

•	Funding: Funds for study/design projects

C$500,000-$2M] and construction projects ($3M-$20M]
may be requested. All applicants must cost-share 35% or
more of the total project cost.

•	Information: USBR's WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem
Restoration Program website.

Funding

The 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and
2022 Inflation Reduction Act support some
short-term funding opportunities through
2025 for fishery and wildlife protection;
for example, Tribes can conduct habitat
protection projects using a NOAA's Coastal
Habitat Restoration and Resilience Grant
for Tribes and Underserved Communities
while removing fish passage barriers
using a NOAA's Restoring Tribal Priority
Fish Passage through Barrier Removal
Grant or a Department of Transportation's
National Culvert Removal. Replacement and
Restoration Grant.

38

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Resource Links

Federal

FWS

•	State and Tribal Wildlife Grant Programs: 20 Years of Conservation Success report includes featured
highlights of selected federally recognized Tribes' use of the Tribal Wildlife Grant Program to conserve
species of traditional and cultural significance, including fish, wildlife and plants.

•	Endangered Species Act-listed animals and plants under the jurisdiction of FWS can be found in this
searchable website.

¦ NOAA

•	The Species Directory is a searchable database of marine species, including those listed as threatened
or endangered.

Other

•	The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is the nation's largest private conservation foundation. The
foundation works with federal, corporate and foundation partners to award grants —all of which are
available to Tribes —to protect fish and wildlife (see current srant programs!.

•	The National Wildlife Federation's Tribal Partnerships website outlines Tribal opportunities to partner
with the National Wildlife Federation to solve conservation challenges.

•	The Native American Fish and Wildlife Society's Tribal Fish and Wildlife Management website is a
network for the exchange of information and management techniques related to self-determined Tribal
fish and wildlife management. The organization also maintains a Grant Finders website with updated
information about federal and nonfederal funding opportunities.

Members of the Mohawk Tribe release thousands of young Atlantic saimon into the St. Regis River system, a tributary of the St. Lawrence
River. This 2011 salmon release was part of a coordinated effort among the USGS Great Lakes Science Center and state, Tribal and
Canadian fishery resource managers to restore Atlantic salmon in the Lake Ontario/St. Lawrence River drainage system.

Protecting Wildlife and Habitat

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Preparing for Ctimate Change and Natural Hazards
Introduction

Climate change and natural hazards can affect
critical aspects of Tribes' well-being, including
their livelihoods, health, nutrition and cultural
practices, as well as the ecological resilience of their territories.

Tribal communities in Alaska are already being affected by the
loss of sea and lake ice, among other impacts, which influence
hunting and fishing activities. In the Pacific Northwest,
salmon populations have declined over the last century due
to development and deforestation pressures, and climate
change is further increasing stream temperatures and reducing
snowpack, which stresses salmon populations and interferes
with spawning.8 Federal programs and tools are available to
help Tribes increase community and ecosystem resiliency to
climate change and natural hazards by providing support for
activities, such as:

•	Developing emergency management plans

•	Planting trees and creating wetlands to establish
flood-reducing buffers around waterways

•	Encouraging native practices for protecting lands from
wildfires, such as through controlled burns

Key terms: The focus of climate and natural hazard-
related work varies depending on a Tribe's ultimate goal.
The following definitions will help Tribal environmental staff
understand the differences and determine which federal
funding programs best suit their needs,

•	Climate Mitigation: Measures to reduce the amount and
rate of future climate change by reducing emissions

of heat-trapping gases —primarily carbon dioxide —or
removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.9

•	Climate Adaptation: The process of adjusting to an actual
or expected environmental change and its effects in a
way that seeks to moderate harm or exploit beneficial
opportunities.10

•	Climate Resilience: The ability to prepare for threats and
hazards, adapt to changing conditions and withstand and
recover rapidly from adverse conditions and disruptions.11

A firefighter inspects a wildfire burning in the
Clearwater National Forest, east of the Nez Perce
Tribe's land.

Water-related climate
change impacts are
being observed now
and will continue.
The increased number
and intensity of heavy
rainfall events have increased
the potential for flash, urban
and coastal flooding fNCASl.

H20
Connection

Natural Hazards: Physical events that can cause difficulty
or harm for individuals or communities. Common hazards
include earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods,
drought, wildfires and winter storms,12

40

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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
4. Conservation Topic Areas

Example Federal Planning Frameworks
Addressing Climate Change and Natural Hazards

Bureau of Indian Affairs

•	Planning assistance, offered by BIA's Branch of Tribal Climate Resilience, includes technical and financial support to
Tribes and Tribal organizations to develop Tribal adaptation plans, vulnerability assessments and risk assessments.
Examples: Nooksack Indian Tribe: Nuchfu Ute Mountain Ute Tribe

Federal Emergency Management Agency

•	Hazard mitigation plans identify risks and vulnerabilities associated with natural disasters and are used to develop long-
term strategies for protecting communities from future hazard events. A FEMA-approved plan is required for receiving
certain types of nonemergency disaster assistance. Tribal plans are approved for 5-year periods and must be updated to
maintain grant eligibility. Examples: Ninilchik Village Tribe: Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

•	NOAA's Storm Ready' Program helps communities, counties, Indian nations, universities and colleges, military bases,
government sites, commercial enterprises and other groups be better prepared to save lives from the onslaught of
severe weather through advanced planning, education and awareness.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

•	Planning Assistance to States can also provide technical assistance for the management of water resources. Assistance
may include developing, collecting and conducting hydrologic, economic or environmental data and risk analyses to
support an entity's hazard mitigation plan, long-term recovery plan or climate action plan. Examples: Native Village of
Kotzebue: Illinois River Basin

U.S. Economic Development Administration

•	A comprehensive economic development strategy is a strategy-driven plan for regional economic development that is
designed to build capacity and guide the economic prosperity and resiliency of an area or region. Examples: The Hopi
Tribe: The Blackfeet Tribe

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

•	Risk-based adaptation plans identify the risks and vulnerabilities associated with climate change and provide strategies
to reduce their impacts. Having a watershed-scale, risk-based plan aids in decision-making and building local capacity to
address climate change impacts on a community. It is an ideal tool for organizations that manage places, watersheds or
coastal environments.

•	Comprehensive Climate Action Plans summarize the Tribe's significant greenhouse gas sources/sinks and sectors. They
also establish near-term and long-term goals and provide strategies for meeting those goals. Example: Upper Columbia
United Tribes

•	Priority Climate Action Plans identify current and future greenhouse gas emissions and list near-term, high-priority
and implementation-ready measures to reduce greenhouse gas pollution. These plans also provide a foundation for
developing Comprehensive Climate Action Plans. Example: Priority Climate Action Plans

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-

Technical Assistance Resource Spotlights

National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers

This USGS website describes the partnership-
driven program that teams scientists with natural and
cuiturai resource managers and local communities to
help fish, wildlife, water, land and people adapt to a
changing climate. The website offers data, publications,
tools, a Tribal-specific resource area and a project
inventory of example Tribal projects. The North
Central Climate Adaptation Science Center maintains a
Traditional Ecological Knowledge webpaee featuring
a story map and report highlighting how Indigenous
Knowledge can inform climate change adaptation.

^USGS

science tore cheaglng world

Latest earthquakes | 0<

1 Qj

Webinar Recordings Available: Incorporating
Indigenous Knowledges into Federal Research
and Management

^ This series centers Indigenous voices to explore ethical, legal, and SCT&itifje"""
considerations for working within different knowledge systems and provides
guidance reflecting best practices.

ffcjj

	

? ^

- & ,

PIp

o o • o o o o



1 USGS Climate Adaption Science Centers website

The Fifth National Climate Assessment

The NCA5 is the U.S. government's preeminent
interagency report on climate change Impacts, risks
and responses. The report's findings are based on
diverse information sources, such as peer-reviewed
literature, Indigenous Knowledge, other expert and
local knowledge and NOAA. climate data. Individual
NCA5 chapters focus on climate change effects on
specific topic areas discussed elsewhere in this guide,
such as water, air, lands and Indigenous Peoples.

U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit

NOAA and other federal partners maintain a toolkit to
build communities' climate resilience by connecting
people with tools, information and subject matter
expertise from across the federal government.

| NCA5's interactive website

Committee on Climate Change, Tribal
Homelands and Treaties

This White House Council on Native American Affairs
committee website describes initiatives to address
the impact of climate change on Tribal communities
and support Tribal sovereignty and self-determination
through restoring Tribal homelands. The initiatives
also reinforce the integration of treaty rights in federal
decision-making.

Federal Program
Inventory >

Climate-Smart
Communities
Initiative >

U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit website

ENESPAfiOl

Meet the Challenges of a Changing Climate

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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
4. Conservation Topic Areas

Including Indigenous Knowledge in
Addressing Climate Change and Natural Hazards

The Yurok Tribe - Planning for Change

The Yurok Tribe has inhabited the Klamath River region for millennia. In 2002, a devastating salmon
die-off due to pathogens, warmer water and low flows spurred the Tribe to act on a new threat: climate
change. Interviews with Tribal Elders helped document Indigenous Knowledge on observed climate change
within their reservation and ancestral territory, which was reported in Utilizing Yurok Traditional Ecological
Knowledge to Inform Climate Change Priorities. The elders advised the Tribe to focus on aquatic habitats,
drinking water and fish species. In response, the Tribe developed the Yurok Tribe Climate Change Adaptation
Plan for Water and Aauatic Resources. This planning process, which combined Indigenous Knowledge and
Western science, assessed the vulnerabilities and resiliencies of Yurok water quality and quantity, aquatic
species, and people, and identified strategies that will allow Yurok lifeways, culture and health to flourish
despite a changing climate.

The Yurok Tribe worked with the FWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, the NOAA Restoration Center and USBR to rehabilitate
degraded instream and riparian habitats in tributaries to the lower Klamath River. The loss of habitat complexity and channel structure
from the loss of stored wood and streamside forests is a primary limitation to the survival of native fish of the Klamath River, including
the federally listed coho salmon.

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Tribal Case Study

Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes:

Partnering for Climate Change Preparation

The Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes in Montana faced a challenge: they

needed to update their existing hazard mitigation plan to maintain eligibility for

federal disaster response grants like those through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The Tribe

wanted to expand the plan to include hazards that have become more frequent because of climate

change, including flooding, wildfires, severe storms and extreme cold and drought. Fortunately, they

found a federal partnering resource designed to meet their needs.

Because the Tribes' hazard mitigation plan was due for an update, FEMA Region 8 suggested they
join a 2020 - 2021 EPA and FEMA pilot partnership project, which was developed under an existing
EPA-FEMA memorandum of agreement to collaborate on helping communities become safer, healthier
and more resilient. FEMA provided Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding and expertise in identifying
hazards and assessing risk. The EPA provided technical assistance focused on environmental protection.

The Fort Peck Tribal community members met with the project team to provide a local perspective
on disasters and identify the hazards that had the most significant impact on the community and
its cultural, natural and economic resources. The collaborative approach helped the Tribes develop
mitigation projects and initiatives that had broad public support. By combining community input with
the federal partners' expertise, the Tribes developed locally appropriate strategies that are creating
new recreational green space, revitalizing community centers and supporting long-term climate change
adaptation with nature-based green infrastructure solutions and new resilience hubs (e.g., cooling/
warming centers, cleaner air centers]. This approach ensured the new hazard mitigation plan addresses
the specific vulnerabilities of the reservation while considering the Tribes' cultural values and priorities.

The Fort Peck Tribes also received EPA
Brownfields 128fal State and Tribal Response
Program assistance to assess, clean up and
evaluate new locations for a vulnerable
dump site away from the Missouri River
floodplain, protecting the Tribes from potential
contamination events during floods. The EPA also
supported the Tribes in developing a disaster
debris management plan as an annex to the
updated hazard mitigation plan.

This pilot program has the potential to be
replicated nationwide, fostering collaboration
between federal agencies and Tribal communities.
By prioritizing community engagement and
including Indigenous Knowledge, future hazard
mitigation plans can more effectively safeguard
Tribal lands and people.

I EPA Brownfields funds will help the Tribes clean up the site
(top) and create a natural park and preserve (bottom).

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Tribal Climate Resilience Annual Awards Program (BIA)

Federal Funding Assistance Programs Spotlight

0 Tribe-only

• Description: Competitive funding to support climate resilience planning and strategy
implementation to prepare for climate change impacts on Tribal treaty and trust resources, economies,
regenerative agriculture and food sovereignty, conservation practices, infrastructure and human health
and safety.

•	Eligible activities: Projects that support Tribal climate resilience by including science, Indigenous
Knowledge, Indigenous languages and technical information. Planning and implementation projects
include climate adaptation planning, community-led relocation, managed retreat, ocean and coastal
management, protect-in-place efforts and habitat restoration and adaptation.

•	Funding: Average award amount: $1.2M [900 awards totaling more than $110M). Planning activities:
up to $250,000; implementation activities: up to $4M; habitat restoration and adaptation activities: no
maximum. No match is required; however, once awarded, the Tribe may use Public Law 93-638 funds
as match when applying for other federal funds if the funds are spent within the originally proposed
project scope. Applications open in July. Proposals are due in October.

•	Applicant notes: Reporting requirements include annual project and/or technical progress updates and
final written reports addressing components outlined in the scope of work.

•	Information: BIA's Tribal Climate Resilience Annual Awards Program website.

Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program (FEMA)

•	Description: Annual competitive grants to federally recognized Tribes for planning and implementing
sustainable cost-effective measures to reduce the risk to individuals and property from future natural
hazards, while also reducing reliance on future federal disaster funding. All applicants must have a
FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan by the application deadline.

•	Eligible activities: Mitigation projects, such as drainage improvements, seawalls/flood gates, flood
storage, wetland enhancements, stream restoration, dam removals, green infrastructure, flood
infrastructure improvements and hazard mitigation plan updates. All projects must comply with
applicable environmental planning and historic preservation laws.

•	Funding: In 2023, $233M was awarded across 100 applicants. Average award amount: $2.3M. Cost-
share required: 75% federal, 25% nonfederal. Small, impoverished communities may be eligible for up to
a 90% federal cost share. Applications open in May and are due in June; awards are made in September.

•	Information: FEMA's Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program website.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (FEMA)

•	Description: Provides grant funding to Tribes to develop hazard mitigation plans and rebuild in a way
that reduces or mitigates future disaster losses. This grant funding is available after a presidentially
declared disaster. Applicants must develop and adopt a hazard mitigation plan to receive funding.

•	Eligible activities: Planning and enforcement, flood protection, retrofitting and construction.

•	Funding: A presidential major disaster declaration makes funds available if requested by an eligible
Tribe. The funding available is based on a sliding scale formula. A nonfederal cost share is required.

•	Information: FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program website.

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Unusually dry conditions affect productivity and ecosystem health.

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (FEMA)	Tribal set-aside

• Description: Competitive grants to Tribes for addressing future risks from natural disasters, including
wildfires, droughts, hurricanes, earthquakes, extreme heat and flooding. Applicants are required to
have a FEMA-approved Tribal hazard mitigation plan.

• Eligible activities: Capability/capacity-building activities, mitigation projects and management costs.
The top project types implemented include flood control, utility/infrastructure protection, plan updates,
stabilization, mitigation reconstruction and retrofits, and project scoping, which includes engineering,
environmental, feasibility and/or benefit-cost analyses.

• Funding: Available: $1 billion in 2023; $50M in Tribal set-aside funds. Average award: $5M. Cost share
required: 75% federal. 25% nonfederal. Applications open in October and close in February. Awards are
made in May.

• Information: FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities website.

Resource Links

Federal

BIA

•	The Tribal Climate Resilience Resource Directory is a regularly updated list of federal and nonfederal
resources to support Tribes' climate preparedness and resilience.

EPA

•	The Adaptation Resource Center fARC-Xl is an interactive resource to help local governments
effectively deliver services to their communities as the climate changes. Decision-makers can find
information about climate change's effects on issues of concern, adaptation strategies, case studies
and funding opportunities.

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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
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•	The Climate Resilience and Adaptation Toolbox fCRAFU offers technical resources and support.

•	The National Climate Resources for Tribes website offers resources to help Tribes address climate
change impacts and develop climate adaptation and climate mitigation strategies.

•	The EPA Nonpoint Source Program's Tribal NPS Resources and Training webpage includes a webinar
focused on Integrating Ciimate Resilience and Hazard Mitigation in Tribal NPS Work.

I NOAA

•	Climate Observations and Monitoring offers links to publicly available datasets and data products.

Other

•	The Ciimate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange, managed by EcoAdaot. is a knowledge-sharing platform
with climate change adaptation case studies, tools and resources.

•	The Georgetown Climate Center's Adaptation Clearinghouse includes content to help policymakers
reduce or avoid the effects of climate change on communities.

•	The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals offers Tribal Adaptation Plans, Toolkits and
Planning Guides to assist Tribes with the ramifications of climate change.

•	The Pacific Northwest Tribal Climate Change Project offers an online Tribal Climate Change Guide to
assist Tribes with grants, programs and plans that may assist in addressing climate change.

•	The nonprofit Climate & Wildfire Institute connects science to public policy and decision-making to
accelerate solutions to a fast-changing climate.

•	The Tribal Resilience Action Database incorporates more than 5,000 searchable climate resilience
actions collected from 65 Tribal and Tribal consortia adaptation plans. Project partners and advisors
representing more than a dozen Tribes across North America collaborated to create this culturally
sensitive, easily accessible database of ciimate adaptation strategies and examples that can inform
climate adaptation and resilience work in Tribal communities.

Climate Adaptation Framework

The interagency Tribal Climate Adaptation Guidebook
website highlights exemplary Tribal efforts in a climate
adaptation framework that recognizes the distinct
circumstances of Tribal governments, cultures and
knowledge systems. The framework has five major steps:

•	Step 1: Center the Tribe's Adaptation Effort

•	Step 2: Identify Concerns and Gather Information

•	Step 3: Assess Vulnerability

•	Step 4: Plan for Action

•	Step 5: Implement and Monitor Actions

I The Climate Adaptation Framework outlines five main steps to
help Tribes adapt to climate change.

Each step is broken down into several activities that include tasks, guidance, examples and tips for engaging your community.
This resource was partially funded by NOAA and created by the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute. Adaptation
International and other contributors.

Tribal Climate Adaptation Guidebook

About

Adaptation Guidebook highlights
exemplary Tribal efforts In a
comprehensive clrmate adaptation

knowledge systems

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Stewarding Lands

Introduction

Approximately 56.2 million acres
are held in trust by the U.S. federal
government for various Indian Tribes and
individuals.13 As a result of land dispossession and forced
migration, a Tribe's present-day land area represents,
on average, less than 3% of its historical land area.14
Predominant land cover types on present-day Tribal land
area in the conterminous United States include shrubland
(29%), grassland (24%], forest (19%] and cropland (10%).15
Indigenous stewardship practices play a critical role in
conserving natural
resources across these
landscapes.16 For
example, a 2018 study
found that Menominee
and Ojibwe Tribal
forests in northern
Wisconsin contained
higher tree volume,
higher rates of tree
regeneration, more plant diversity and fewer invasive
species than nearby non-Tribal forestlands.1718

This section highlights federal programs and tools
available to help Tribes care for their lands through
activities like land acquisition and protection, landowner
education and implementing conservation practices.

<

Q

CO

o
CO



Approximately 10% of
total streamflow in

SJ 0

the conterminous

United States	Connection

flows through
. Tribal lands fUSGSl.

Ensuring Tribal Co-Stewardship and
Co-Management of Lands

One of the main principles of co-stewardship is
acknowledging that public lands and waters are
ancestral homelands of Native Americans, Alaska
Natives and Native Hawaiians. Actions that increase
engagement and collaborative relationships with
Tribes on these lands through co-stewardship
agreements and on-the-ground projects are
consistent with the federal trust responsibility with
Tribal nations.

As stated in DOI's First Annual Report on Tribal Co-
Stewardship (2002), Tribes play a pivotal role in land
management:

Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples
have stewarded North American waters and
lands while building vibrant cultures and
communities. Today, virtually ail lands the
U.S. government holds as federal public lands
were once Indigenous territory. Through
treaties, statutes and executive orders, the
United States assumed obligations of trust to
protect Tribal sovereignty and promote Tribal
self-determination. Those obligations include
ensuring Tribes have a role in protecting and
managing the millions of acres of federal
public lands that were once Tribal homelands.
To honor these obligations and secure
effective stewardship of all Federal lands
and waters, the United States should ensure
that Tribes sit at the table with Federal land
managers for the benefit of all Americans.

Institute of American Indian Arts' Teresa Kaulaity Quintana (Kiowa)
manages a garden that promotes Indigenous methods of food and
medical crop cultivation and serves as an outdoor learning space.

48

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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
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Example Federal Planning Frameworks for Stewarding Lands

Bureau of Indian Affairs

•	Forest management plans describe the landowners' goals and provide a resource assessment and maps. They also
include plans for how the forested trust land is to be used, protected and maintained. These plans describe the forest,
the protection and management measures and the forest's social and economic benefits. Forest management plans are
required for all Tribal forest lands in federal trust status. Example: Flathead Indian Reservation

•	Integrated resource management plans are created by Tribal governments to describe comprehensive goals, inventory
natural resources and develop management plans addressing all Tribal resources-natural, social, cultural and economic.

Examples: Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation: Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

•	Agricultural resource management plans are 10-year plans specifying the management objectives developed for Tribal
agricultural and grazing resources; they include information about resource conditions, environmental factors and
landowner agricultural resource goals. Example: Wind River Indian Reservation

Interagency - U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Interior and Commerce

•	Co-Stewardship Agreements: Under loint Secretarial Order 3403. the bureaus and agencies within these departments
are directed to "make agreements with Indian Tribes to collaborate in the co-stewardship of Federal lands and waters
under the Departments' jurisdiction, including wildlife and its habitat." The means to enter into agreements are varied
and can range from formal Tribal consultation to Tribal engagement in federal planning processes.

Examples: Leech Lake Band of Oiibwe and the Tulalip Tribes agreements under the Tribal Forest Protection Act.

Natural Resources Conservation Service

•	Conservation plans are developed and implemented by NRCS staff in coordination with Tribes to protect, conserve
and/or enhance natural resources, including soil, water, air, plants, animals, energy and human considerations. NRCS
technical service providers or other qualified individuals can support conservation planning activities, design and
implementation activities and conservation evaluation and monitoring activities for forest management, grazing
management, fish and wildlife habitat and other issues. The Conservation Evaluation and Monitoring Activity 222:
Indigenous Stewardship Methods Evaluation specifically looks at including Indigenous Knowledge into the conservation
planning process.

Managing the Oak Borer with Cultural Burning

The La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians is facing an infestation of the
Goldspotted Oak Borer, an invasive beetle that's killing oak trees in
California. The beetle threatens both the ecological balance and the Tribe's
cultural and economic resources, as the oaks provide acorns that support
wildlife and historically served as a key food source for the Tribe. The
loss of oak trees disrupts this cultural practice and affects the Tribe's
connection to their ancestral land and traditions. The Tribe has been
proactively addressing this issue through various management strategies.

The Tribe is partnering with the University of California Riverside to use
heat treatment practices and Indigenous-based prescribed fire to be used
as a landscape-level management tool for the control of the beetle. The
Tribe also created a new Natural Resources Department, led by Joelene Tamm, to manage the Tribe's woodland and other land
areas. Tamm's program employs a forestry and fuels crew that conducts surveys to identify and remove hazardous infested
trees. Salvaged wood is then processed into firewood. The Tribe is working on producing kiln-dried and heat-treated firewood
to ensure the Goldspotted Oak Borer and other forests pests do not continue to spread to new areas. The fuels crew has
also been trained in wildland fire to implement prescribed fire and assist cultural burn practitioners. This approach not only
preserves the remaining oak woodlands but also provides economic benefits through firewood sales. Their success showcases
the power of combining Indigenous Knowledge with modern conservation techniques to protect vital natural resources. For
more information, see the "MAATHAAW: The Fire Within Us." an Indigenous-led research feature-length documentary showing
the cultural, emotional and scientific relationships of Southern California Tribes with fire.

| Goldspotted Oak Borer

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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
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Technical Assistance Resource Spotlights

Tribal Connections Mapper

A USFS online interactive mapping tool that shows how lands managed by the agency connect or
overlap with current Tribal trust lands and lands that Tribes exchanged with the federal government before
1900. This reference tool helps USFS employees and the public better understand historical treaties and the
role they play in making current land management decisions. USFS developed a presentation, Tvine Forest
Service Lands to Tribal Lands and Treaty Ceded Lands, which describes how to use the mapping tool.

The National Map

The USGS National Geospatial Program maintains
The National Map, a collection of mapping products
and services available to the public that can enable
better policy and land management decisions and the
effective enforcement of regulatory responsibilities.
A series of video lessons shows how to use the
applications, interfaces, data and tools. The National
Map supports data download, digital and print versions
of topographic maps, geospatial data services and
online viewing.

| National Map tutorial videos are provided.

U.S. Drought Monitor

Produced jointly by NOAA, USDA and the National
Drought Mitigation Center at the University of
Nebraska-Lincoln, the U.S. Drought Monitor map
is released every Thursday. The map uses six
classifications for drought conditions ranging from
normal conditions to exceptional drought. Example:
Wind River Tribes Create New Drought Monitoring Tools

Web Soil Survey

Operated by the USDA NRCS, the Web Soil Survey
provides soil data and information produced by the
National Cooperative Soil Survey. Soil surveys can be
used for general farm, local and wider-area planning. To
assist soil survey users, USDA offers a fact sheet, Using
Web Soil Survey - the Four Steps, and provides a link
to a playlist of tutorial videos: Using Web Soil Survey.
The site is updated and maintained online as the single
authoritative source of soil survey information. NRCS
has soil maps and data available for almost 100% of
the nation's counties. Contact your local USDA Service
Center with questions.

U.S. Drought Monitor

Map released: August 22.2024

Oata valid: August 20.2024

View grayscale version of'

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Hicham Helm. NOM/NCtl

Cants fileaml. National Drought Mitigation Center

| The U.S. Drought Monitor map is updated weekly.

INRCS's Web Soil Survey webpage provides access to the

tool and offers guidance and examples.

The

National
Map

Enter Keyword^00J

All NRCS Sites v i

National
Cooperative Soil
Survey (NCSS)

Archived Soil

Status Maps
Official Soil Series

You are here: Web Soil Survey Home

The simple yet powerful way
to access and use soil data.

I Want To..

Start Web Soil
Survey (WSS)
Know Web Soil
Survey
Requirements

Know Web Soil
Survey operation

Find what areas of
the U.S. have soil
data

Find information
by topic
Know how to
hvnerlink from

Drovides

produced by the National
Cooperative Soil Survey. It is
operated by the USDA Natural
Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS) and provides access to
the largest natural resource information system in
the world. NRCS has soil maps and data available

50

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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
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Stewarding Lands in a Changing Climate

•	Chapter 6 of the NCA5 focuses on climate change's
effects on land cover and land use. This chapter
focuses on how future land uses wili depend

on climate changes, the evolution of agriculture
and energy technologies and the prioritization of
mitigation and adaptation in land use decisions.
The chapter describes how the impacts of climate
change are transforming landscapes in ways
considered harmful. Communities with especially
strong ties to place and local ecosystems, including
but not limited to Tribal and Indigenous groups, may
suffer declining cultural and spiritual connections
with the land as a result.

•	USDA maintains a Climate Change Adaptation
webpage that explores how adaptation actions
can reduce the vulnerability of natural and
human systems to climate change. Examples
in agriculture and forestry include changes in
land management practices to build long-term
resilience, strengthening disaster preparedness
and recovery, increasing access to technology and
increasing education to build adaptive capacity.
The 2024-2027 Climate Adaptation Plan builds
off USDA's 2021 Action Plan for Climate Adaptation
and Resilience.

I Youth learn about southeast Native American culture and foods during the 2nd Annual
Southeastern Indian Festival hosted by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

Changes in climate and land use affect the resilience of land ecosystems. Extreme rain events, droughts, high
temperatures, fires, and floods pose risks to infrastructure, agriculture, forests, biodiversity, human health, and
ecosystem services. The future of land use will depend on how the climate changes, how agriculture and
energy technologies evolve, and how mitigation and adaptation are prioritized in land-use decisions.

Chapter 6 of the NCA5 focuses on lands.

I U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

The USDA Climate
Adaptation Plan aims to
develop an interactive
approach to adjusting to
a changing climate.


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
4. Conservation Topic Areas

Including Indigenous Knowledge in Land Stewardship

Oneida Nation: Restoring Land Connection

Oneida Nation's commitment to the environment and stewardship is grounded in the Oneida's creation story,
which provides the foundation of the cultural belief that everything is connected, and there must be balance
for the environment to thrive. The Oneida Nation has worked to reacquire indigenous iands to make major
improvements to water quality in critically contaminated Wisconsin watersheds. The Nation has worked
with partners to transform agricultural fields back into wetlands, prairies and forests. The return of native
plants and wildlife provides not only a renewed source of sustenance, but also reconnects the Tribe to the
practices and knowledge passed down through generations. The Tribe has also worked with NRCS to focus
on improving water quality in local streams as part of their restoration efforts (see Improving Water Quality
with Indigenous Land Restoration!.

| The Oneida Nation restored this prairie habitat with support from the FWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program.

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Tribal Case Study

Lajolla Band of Luiseno Indians:

Managing Fire-Prone Lands

The La lolla Band of Luiseno Indians cares for almost 9,000 acres of
reservation land in southern California, an area subject to cyclical droughts. In
recent years, a changing climate has led to more frequent severe droughts, which has raised the
wildfire potential. In 2004, the LaJolla Band became the first Tribe in California to receive FEMA
approval for their Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan, which established eligibility for grants under FEMA's
Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs during natural hazard events like wildfires. The Tribe has
updated its pian every 5 years since then.

The Tribe collaborated with the San Diego Foundation
and other nearby Tribes to clean up and rebuild. This
successful partnership effort ultimately led the Tribes
to create the Tribal Lone Term Recovery Foundation.

After the 2007 fires, the Tribe received a grant
from the Council of Western State Foresters'

Wild land Urban Interface Program, funded via the
USFS Cohesive Fire Strategy program, to clear brush
and create defensible spaces around homes. The Tribe
also used NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives
Program funding and BIA Wildland Urban Interface
funding to create fuel breaks.

The Tribe has undertaken other efforts to prepare
for the future. In 2009, the La Jolla Band became
the first Tribe in California to receive Congressional
approval for their drought plan, which accelerates
access to emergency federal funding for the Tribe if a
drought occurs. The Tribe has also been working with
BIA and NRCS to develop an Integrated Resources
Management Plan, which combines separate efforts,
such as forest management, climate adaptation,
drought planning and disaster mitigation, into one
integrated approach to managing the Tribe's natural
resources.

The Tribe received technical assistance from the U.S.
Department of Defense's Innovative Readiness Training
Program, which provides training and readiness for
military personnel while addressing the needs of
underserved communities. The personnel helped fix road
and culvert damage from the 2007 fires.

In 2007, more than 9,000 separate wildfires burned across California, 30 of which occurred during
the fall 2007 California Firestorm. One of these, the Poomacha wildfire, broke out on the Tribe's
reservation, merged with a nearby fire and burned 93% of the reservation - destroying a third of the
homes. The EPA's emergency response teams helped assess and remove wastes, such as unidentified
barrels in burned areas. Rob Roy, the Tribe's Environment Protection Office director, noted that the EPA
offered other assistance as welL 'EPA allowed us to put our clean water projects on hold so we could
concentrate on our fire response."

The Poomacha Fire devastated the community.

Stewarding Lands

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Federal Funding Assistance Programs Spotlight

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (USDA NRCS)

• Description: Two noncompetitive easement grant programs are available. The Agricultural Land
Easements help private and Tribal landowners, land trusts and other entities such as state and
local governments protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches by limiting non-
agricultural uses of the land through conservation easements. Wetland Reserve Easements help private
and Tribal landowners protect, restore and enhance wetlands that were previously degraded due to
agricultural uses. Additionally, 30-year contracts are available to enroll acreage owned by Tribes to
conduct restoration activities without encumbering the land with an easement.

Eligible activities: Activities that limit nonagricultural uses that negatively affect agricultural uses and
conservation values; protect grazing uses and related conservation values by restoring or conserving
eligible grazing land; and protect, restore and enhance wetlands on eligible land.

Applicant notes: Eligible applicants include private and Tribal landowners, land trusts and state and
local governments who want to make improvements to the land they own or lease.

Funding: Annual threshold is $3M. Contracts are developed on demand by NRCS agents.

Information: See USDA's Agricultural Conservation Easement Program website.

Conservation Innovation Grants (USDA NRCS)

•	Description: Competitive grant program that includes national-level, state-level and on-farm trials
funding. The program supports the development of new tools, approaches, practices and technologies
to further natural resource conservation on private lands. Through creative problem solving and
innovation, partners work to address water quality, air quality, soil health and wildlife habitat
challenges, all while improving agricultural operations.

•	Eligible activities: Innovative, on-the-ground conservation projects, including pilot projects and field
demonstrations. Proposed projects must conform to the description of innovative conservation projects
or activities published in the annual funding notice.

•	Applicant notes: Up to 10% of national funds are set aside for applicants who are historically
underserved or community-based organizations that include or represent them.

•	Funding: $20M annually. A 1:1 nonfederal funding match of cash or in-kind contribution is required.

•	Information: See USDA's Conservation Innovation Grants website.

Conservation Stewardship Program (USDA NRCS)

•	Description: Competitive program that provides contract payments and technical assistance. NRCS
works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines and enhances existing
efforts using new conservation practices or activities based on management objectives for the
operation. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that expands on the
benefits of cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their
agricultural operations.

•	Eligible activities: Available practices and practice standards vary bv state.

•	Applicant notes: Eligible entities include anyone who owns or rents and manages land for agricultural
or forest production such as cropland, rangeland, grassland or pasture. Contact the local NRCS field

54

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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
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office to help determine eligibility. NRCS ranks applications, with the highest scoring applications
receiving contract offers first.

•	Funding: Varies annually. Contract payments are based on two components: [1] payments to maintain
the existing level of conservation, based on the land uses included in the contract and an NRCS
assessment of existing stewardship at the time of enrollment and [2] payments to implement additional
conservation activities. Most participants will be eligible for a $4,000 minimum payment during any
year their total annual contract payment falls below the minimum payment amount.

•	Information: See USDA's Conservation Stewardship Program Grants website.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (USDA NRCS)

•	Description: Competitive technical and financial assistance for farmers, ranchers and nonindustrial
private forest landowners to help plan and implement conservation practices and activities on working
agricultural and forestry landscapes.

•	Eligible activities: Assistance can be used on all types
of agricultural operations: conventional, organic,
specialty and commodity crops; forestry and wildlife;
and livestock operations. Conservation practices may
include those addressing natural resource concerns and
delivering environmental benefits such as improved
water and air quality, conserved ground and surface
water, increased soil health and reduced soil erosion
and sedimentation, improved or created wildlife habitat,
and mitigation against drought and increasing weather
volatility.

•	Applicant notes: Eligible entities include farmers,
ranchers and forest landowners who own or rent
agricultural land.

•	Funding: Payment rates for conservation practices are
reviewed and set each fiscal year. Incentive contracts
require producers to address at least one priority
resource concern during the contract period of 5 years.

Tribal entities are not subject to payment limitations.

This exemption only applies to Tribal governments

or Indian Tribal Ventures, not to individual Tribal members. Applications for financial assistance are
accepted throughout the year. Specific state deadlines are set for ranking and funding.

•	Information: See USDA's Environmental Quality Incentives Program website.

Regional Conservation Partnership Program (USDA NRCS)

•	Description: Promotes coordination of NRCS conservation activities with partners that offer value-
added contributions to expand collective ability to address on-farm, watershed and regional natural
resource concerns.

•	Eligible activities: Any combination of authorized, on-the-ground conservation activities implemented
by farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. May include land management/land improvement
practices, land rentals, entity-held easements, U.S.-held easements or public works/watersheds.

Alternative Funding Arrangements

Alternative Funding Arrangements, or AFAs,
provide NRCS and Tribes with flexibilities
regarding funding, planning and administering
the implementation of the Environmental
Quality Incentives Program and the
Conservation Stewardship Program if existing
processes impede program participation.
Through an AFA, a Tribe can administer funds
for projects on land over which Tribes or
their members have control. Payment rates
may be based on actual costs, average costs,
predetermined payment schedules or other
methods approved by NRCS. Funding may
also be used to cover technical assistance if
provided by Tribe and can cover indirect cost. A
Tribe may negotiate an AFA at any time.

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55


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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
4. Conservation Topic Areas

•	Applicant notes:

—	Partner eligibility: The lead partner for a project must be eligible to enter into contracts with NRCS
to submit an application; if selected for an award, that partner is responsible for collaborating with
NRCS to successfully complete the project.

-	Land eligibility: Projects must be carried out on agricultural or nonindustrial private forest land or
associated land on which NRCS determines an eligible activity would help achieve conservation
benefits or improve the condition of natural resources.

•	Funding: $30QM annually.

•	Information: See USDA's Regional Conservation Partnership Program website.

Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program for Tribes (USDA-USFS)	Tribe-only

•	Description: Competitive cooperative agreement/grant program promoting collaborative, science-based
restoration of priority forest landscapes and furthering priorities identified in a state forest action plan
or equivalent restoration strategy.

•	Eligible activities: Projects may address large-scale issues such as wildfire risk reduction; watershed
protection and restoration; and the spread of invasive species, insect infestation and plant disease.

•	Applicant notes: Funds may only be spent on nonindustrial private forest land or state forest land that
is also rural.

•	Funding: 50% nonfederal match is required.

•	Information: See the USFS's Landscape Scale Restoration website.

Funding Response and Resiliency

The 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $19.5 billion over 5 years to provide added
support for USDA conservation programs like the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.

A member of the Blackfeet Nation meets with USDA to discuss
agriculture issues. The Blackfeet Reservation covers 1.5 million
acres on the Rocky Mountain Front in northeast Montana.

Land managers from the Hopi and Navajo Nations gather to
remove invasive Tamarisk and Camelthorn as part of the BIA-
funded "Building Tribal Resiliency Through Native Seeds" program.

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Resource Links

Federal
EPA

•	The Brownfields and Land Revitalization Program helps communities work together to assess, safely
clean up and sustainably reuse brownfields [e.g., 2023 Brownfields Federal Programs Guide1.

•	The Land Finance Clearinghouse helps communities with decisions about their environmental needs.

•	The Pesticide and Chemical Safety in Indian Country webpage addresses pesticide education, technical
assistance and compliance with federal pesticide law.

USDA

•	The Office of Tribal Relations is a single point of contact for Tribes on USDA services, including
consultation.

•	The Partnerships With Tribal Nations website connects Tribal leaders, land managers, agricultural
producers and citizens with resources supporting farming, grazing and forestry.

USFS

•	The Tribal Forest Protection Act/638 Project Authority offers a webinar and questions and answers
about Tribes' 638 Project Authority.

•	The National Partnership Office works with the National Forest Foundation to manage the
Partnerships on Every Forest program to help build partnership strategies that increase stewardship
capacity and create more inclusive land management approaches; for more details, see the 2023
Partnerships on Every Forest Resource Guide.

•	The Tribal Partnership Comparison Matrix informs partnership strategies between Tribes, USFS and
other partners.

•	The Reforestation. Nurseries and Genetic Resources Program provides information and technical
resources to help people grow forest and conservation seedlings [e.g., Nursery Manual for Native Plants1.

•	Co-stewardship information is available in the 2023 Annual Report on Tribal Co-stewardship and
Resources for Implementing loint Secretarial Order 3403. Information for Tribes on New Forest Service
Programs and Landownershio Authorities documents.

uses

•	The Restoration Assessment and Monitoring Program for the Southwest maintains a Support For Tribes
webpage highlighting projects that help Tribes improve land condition in dryland ecosystems that are
being increasingly disturbed by nonnative species, wildfire, drought and other problems.

Other

•	The First Nations Development Institute's Stewarding Native Lands website highlights Native
ecological stewardship and connects Tribes with financial and technical assistance.

•	The Land Trust Alliance empowers and mobilizes land trusts to conserve land and build people's
connection to the land, including Indigenous Peoples.

•	The Intertribal Agriculture Council helps promote the conservation, development and use of
agricultural resources for the betterment of Tribes. The website connects Tribes with programs,
training, funding and technical assistance opportunities and other resources.

•	The Intertribal Timber Council, a USFS partner, provides Tribal forestry and natural resources
information and offers training opportunities, publications and other resources, including Tribal Forest
Protection Act co-stewardship reports!

•	The Tribal Lands Assistance Center serves as a single point of access for information and resources
regarding contaminated sites on and near Tribal lands and waters.

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Supporting and Engaging Tribal Communities

Introduction

Tribal communities rely on a broad range of knowledge and resources to address unique
conservation goals. It is often very important for Tribes to ensure that traditional
subsistence needs are appropriately included into
programs and that community members are engaged with
conservation efforts.

Federal programs and tools are available to Tribal governments to
support improving connections to environmental resources and
natural places by enabling public access and enhancing recreational
opportunities, protecting and preserving cultural resources such as
native plant gathering areas, engaging Tribal members in educational
activities focusing on environmental resources and protecting
environmental resources for community health.

Example Federal Planning Frameworks for Community Engagement

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

• Marine debris action plans are voluntary strategic frameworks to engage partners across a specific state or region to
address the problem of marine debris. Organizations collaborate to develop goals, priorities and strategic actions to
reduce the impacts of marine debris on the coastal environment and people.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

•	EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans, as detailed in the 2022 Indian Environmental General Assistance Program Guidance
on Financial Assistance Agreements, outline how each Tribe and the EPA intend to work together to address shared
environmental priorities via planning and communication.

•	Getting in Step: Enaaaina Stakeholders in Your Watershed provides detailed instructions for establishing and maintaining
open lines of communication within your community about natural resource conservation.

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youth in the water
resources field via a 26-week-
long AmeriCorps service term that
includes professional training and
hands-on learning.

A lead chanter sings and plays the drum for the Friendship Dance, a social dance procession lead by
a Poarch Creek Reservation dance group from Mt, Vernon, Alabama, during the Poarch Band of Creek
Indians' Second Annual Southeastern Indian Festival.

58

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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
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Technical Assistance Resource Spotlights

USDA Native Youth Resource Guide

TX

USDA

The 2002 guide connects Native youth with
USDA programs and resources, including research
and scholarship opportunities, internship programs
and other educational resources.

Tools for Engaging Landowners Effectively

Developed by the Center for Nonprofit Strategies
and the USFS's Family Forest Research Center, this
online tool helps Tribes design and implement more
effective landowner outreach programs that connect
with the target audiences and leverage resources to
successfully achieve landscape-level goals.

Tools of Engagement

Designed by FWS and other partners, this Toolkit helps conservation professionals think through
conservation planning with communities and stakeholder engagement in mind.

Federal agencies offer various tools to help connect Tribal communities
with resources and each other.

Supporting and Engaging Communities in a Changing Climate

Teaching about climate change-related challenges is the key to ensuring your community is prepared.

•	Chanter 16 of the NCA5 focuses on climate change's effects on Tribes and Indigenous Peoples. This
chapter explores three key messages: [1] climate change poses risks to well-being and barriers to
energy sovereignty, [2] self-determination is the key to Indigenous Peoples' resilience to climate
change and (3) Indigenous leadership will guide the climate change response.

•	NOAA's Digital Coast - Risk Communication. NOAA's toolbox of climate change-related training,
publication and visualization resources helps users identify and communicate key points about climate
change and its potential effects on communities.

Swinomish Indian Tribal community
members built a rock wall in the intertidal
zone of Skagit Bay to establish a clam
garden (i.e., shellfish mariculture). The
Tribe is using the clam garden for teaching,
subsistence harvesting and ceremonial
purposes, with the intent to protect it
for future generations. See more project
information and videos from the Swinomish
Tribe Clam Garden and NOAA video gallery
websites.

Supporting and Engaging Tribal Communities

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Including Indigenous Knowledge to Support and Engage Communities

Protecting Wild Rice and the Tribal Communities it Sustains

Manoomin, or wild rice, provides physical, spiritual and cultural nourishment for the Tribes of the Great
Lakes region. Tribes' manoomin harvesting traditions are passed down through generations, strengthening
social bonds and connecting the Tribal community members to their ancestors. Unfortunately, the rice has
become less abundant because of water pollution, development pressures, commercial harvesting and other
factors. The decline threatens the Tribes' food security and cultural practices.

Federal agencies have projects underway to protect and restore manoomin. USACE researchers are working
with the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians and other Tribes to help improve wild
rice productivity via USACE Detroit District Planning Assistance to States studies. The researchers relied
on Indigenous Knowledge for wild rice ecological and cultural information. NOAA's Office for Coastal
Management is working with Tribes on the Collaborative Great Lakes Manoomin Project, funded through
the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which focuses on protecting, monitoring and restoring wild rice and
its habitat. The project uses Indigenous cultural and ecological metrics developed with Tribal partners to
characterize and assess the condition of manoomin habitat.

In 2018, a research collaboration formed between Tribal communities and university partners to combine
traditional Indigenous practices and knowledge with scientific monitoring to protect and restore the
manoomin. For more information, see the project website: Kawe Gidaa-naanaaeadawendaamin Manoomin.

cO
CD

I Seeding manoomin as part of the Michigan Wild Rice Initiative restoration outreach and education efforts at the 2019 Wild Rice Camp in
Alberta, Michigan.

60

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Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide
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Tribal Case Study

Upper Snake River Tribal Foundation Community
Collaboration Increases Climate Resiliency

The Upper Snake River Tribes Foundation, or USRT, is an intertribal
consortium representing four Tribes in the Upper Snake River region whose
ancestral homelands are being significantly affected by climate change.

Rising temperatures, declining snowpack and more frequent droughts and
wildfires threaten water resources, traditional food sources and cultural
practices-adding to existing problems caused by fish passage barriers
[see storv rnapl. Recognizing this urgency, USRT launched a climate change
initiative aimed at helping Tribal communities understand and respond to the
challenges of a changing climate.

Over the past decade, USRT has received awards to improve climate resiliency.
Beginning in 2015, USRT used funds from from the EPA's Indian Environmental
General Assistance Program and BIA's Tribal Climate Resilience Program to
conduct a climate change vulnerability assessment of aquatic, terrestrial and
Tribal enterprise resources.

Beginning in 2020, USRT received support from the USGS Northwest
Climate Adaptation Science Center. EPA and BIA to develop a national
Tribal Resilience Action Database. Released in early 2024, this database
informs other Tribes' efforts.

In 2023, USRT received an EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant to
engage in detailed emissions reduction planning. This led to the release
of its USRT Priority Climate Action Plan) in April 2024. USRT will begin
the second planning phase to complete a Comprehensive Climate Action
Plan, which will provide each member Tribe with a roadmap to achieve
climate-related goals while improving ecological, community and
economic health.

USRT represents:

•	The Burns Paiute Tribe

•	The Fort McDermitt
Paiute-Shoshone Tribe

•	The Shoshone-Bannock
Tribes of the Fort Hall
Reservation

•	The Shoshone-Paiute
Tribes of the Duck
Vallev Reservation

The USRT continues to develop Tribal communities' capacity to tackle
climate-related challenges. Using many BIA Tribal Climate Resilience
grants totaling over a half-million dollars since 2017, the group has
increased Tribal leader awareness and conducted initiatives for all Tribal
members. Projects include community engagement workshops and tours, climate literacy materials,
youth education and guidance on climate resiliency in streams and riparian habitats. USRT is sharing
educational materials across the Pacific and Inland Northwest to help other Tribes.

I Tribal youth collect
macroinvertebrates during the
USRT's 2022 Youth Climate Camp.

USRT emphasizes educating Tribal youth as a keystone to climate resiliency. Since 2022, the group
has held Tribal Climate Resilience-funded climate resilience summer camps that encourage a deeper
understanding of the interconnectedness of the environment and the Tribal communities' well-being.
The camp also emphasizes preserving Indigenous Knowledge to help develop the next generation
of Tribal environmental leaders. To further engage and empower youth, USTR created a Tribal
Youth Environmental Justice and Climate Leadership Program in 2023 with support from the EPA's
Environmental lustice Collaborative Problem-Solving Cooperative Agreement Program.

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Federal Funding Assistance Programs Spotlight

\ Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmakers Subgrants (EPA)

• Description: Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmakers collaborate with EPA's Office
of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights to issue competitive subgrants to support capacity
building in disadvantaged communities affected by environmental or public health issues.

•	Eligible activities: Conducting assessments and planning and implementing projects to build capacity.

•	Applicant notes: Open to federally and state-recognized Tribal governments and intertribal consortia,
Native American organizations, nonprofit organizations and others.

•	Funding: Three tiers of grants: (1) $150,000 for assessment, (2] $250,000 for planning and

(3] $350,000 for project development. In addition, $75,000 will be available for capacity-constrained,
community-based organizations through a noncompetitive process under Tier One. Each Grantmaker
will design and implement a distribution program suited for their region/communities. Applicants
should prepare budgets for up to $50M over 3 years Cup to ~$16.5M annually],

•	Information: See EPA's Thriving Communities Grantmakers Subgrants website.

Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (EPA)	Tribe-only

•	Description: Federally recognized Tribal governments and intertribal consortia can use these funds
to: (1] plan, develop and establish the capacity to implement programs administered by the EPA;
(2] develop and implement solid and hazardous waste programs for Indian lands; and (3] collect,
transport, backhaul and dispose of solid waste and recovered materials. The program also provides
technical assistance for developing multimedia programs to address environmental issues.

•	Eligible activities: Activities closely related to building environmental capacity consistent with the
EPA's statutory authorities and activities that help implement solid and hazardous waste programs.

•	Applicant notes: TAS is not required.

•	Funding: $75M was awarded in 2023. Average award amount: $120,000. Range of awards: $75,000-
$400,000. No match is required. Application deadlines vary by region.

•	Information: See EPA's Indian Environmental General Assistance Program website.

•	Description: Competitive grants to help develop and support Tribal youth programs that provide
opportunities for youth to engage in the field of natural resource management and encourage their
interest in pursuing educational opportunities and careers in natural resources management.

•	Eligible activities: Projects that engage and employ Tribal youth and introduce them to unique
internships and job opportunities that encourage protecting and improving the trust assets of Native
Americans, Tribes and Alaska Natives; preserving and maintaining natural and cultural resources;
and enhancing the conservation stewardship of the land, water and earth. Projects should promote
education through hands-on experiences while developing the necessary skills of future scientists.

•	Funding: Requests may range from $2,000 to $50,000 per application.

•	Reporting requirement: Submit a final report within 90 days of project completion.

•	Information: See BIA's Tribal Youth Initiative website.

Tribal Youth Initiative Program (BIA)

0 Tribe-only

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Tribal Tourism Grant Program (BIA)	Tribe-only

•	Description: The annua! competitive Tribal Tourism Grant Program helps Tribes evaluate and identify
viable tourism business opportunities for their communities, including those focused on agrotourism,
cultural heritage tourism and natural resource-based tourism. The program aims to support Tribal
economic development and provides funding for Tribes to conduct feasibility studies to inform
decisions about potential tourism projects. The program also provides funding for Tribes to develop
business plans for for Tribal tourism businesses and already-completed tourism feasibility studies.

•	Eligible activities: Conducting tourism project feasibility studies and developing business plans.

•	Funding: Total awarded in 2022: $3M; award range: $25,000-$150,000; average award: $100,000.

•	Information: See BIA's Tribal Tourism Grant Program website.

I Through the Restoration Assessment arid Monitoring Program for the Southwest. USGS is helping the Navajo Nation
community build capacity in ecosystem restoration.

Supporting and Engaging Tribal Communities

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Resource Links

Federal

EPA

•	The Thriving Community Network Map Explorer shows technical assistance and capacity-building
resources for Tribal communities and others experiencing a history of economic distress and
systemic disinvestment. These federal resources include grant and financial management support,
predevelopment assistance, community engagement, planning and project delivery support.

NASA

•	The Indigenous Peoples Initiative focuses on building relationships across NASA and Indigenous
communities through place-based remote sensing training, community engagement and knowledge
development.

NOAA

•	The Road Map to Working with Indigenous Communities outlines NOAA's efforts to work closely
with Tribes to build community capacity. Ongoing efforts are highlighted in the following two
webpages: [1] the National Marine Sanctuary Office's Responsibilities. Commitments, and Actions and
[2] Building stronger partnerships with Tribal Nations in the North Atlantic, which examines NOAA's
expanded engagement with Tribal Nations in the North Atlantic region to increase capacity and provide
helpful resources.

NPS

•	The Tribal Historic Preservation Program supports the establishment of Tribal Historic Preservation
Offices under Section 101 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

USFS

•	The Indian Youth Service Corps provides paid education, employment and training opportunities
through conservation projects on public and Tribal lands.

Other

•	The American Philosophical Society's Center for Native American and Indigenous Research engages
with Indigenous peoples and scholars via collaborative, community-engaged work in language

and cultural revitalization, particularly the relationships between Indigenous Knowledge and the
information available in archival materials.

•	The Institute for Sustainable Communities collaborates with various organizations to address climate
and sustainability challenges using community-based solutions and partnerships.

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5. Looking to the Future

Across North America, Indigenous Peoples play a unique and critical role in protecting and restoring natural
resources. Indigenous communities have the longest-standing relationship and reciprocity value system
with the natural world. You and your community's views are extremely valuable perspectives to bring into
conversations about environmental protection. However, Tribal environmental programs face challenges
when tackling the impacts of water and air pollution, wildlife habitat loss, climate change and other threats
to their lands and the livelihood of their communities. To address these challenges, Tribes across North
America are partnering with their fellow agencies and off-reservation stakeholders to tackle these daunting
issues. We hope this guide helps Tribal environmental program managers and staff more easily find federal
resources to support their work.

Given that the availability of federal resources changes and evolves, we encourage Tribal environmental
staff to refer to agency websites and speak to their contacts in federal agencies to stay updated on
assistance opportunities. In addition to Grants.gov and the Access to Capital Clearinghouse, several other
interagency resource listings locations are available:

•	Conservation.gov. a federal interagency information hub, is designed to connect people with resources
to empower locally led efforts to conserve and restore lands, waters and wildlife.

•	Federal Partner Funding and Technical Assistance Opportunities offers links to funding and technical
assistance opportunities across the federal government.

•	Rural.gov Tribal Programs describes federal resources available to support community development,
disaster response and natural resource protection.

•	Technical Assistance and Resources for Tribal Nations offers information about technical assistance
and funding opportunities for electrified transportation.

"We only have one earth. Let's take care of it."

- Deb Haaland, enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna member and the 54th U.S. Secretary of the Interior [The Hill. 04/P0/20201

1 Bird takes flight during a 2022 visit by the Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

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Tribal Ecological Trainees from Klamath Tribes and affiliates work as part of the 2023 Tribal Ecological Forestry Training Program on the
Lomakatsi Restoration Project in southwest Oregon's Siskiyou Mountain Park. Programs like this support projects funded under USFS's
Community Wildfire Defense Grant program, which assists at-risk communities, including Tribal communities, with planning for and
mitigation of wildfire risks.

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Endnotes

1	The White House Council on Native American Affairs leads collaborative interagency work across the
Executive Branch, regular and meaningful Tribal-federal engagement, and an all-of-government approach
in meeting treaty and trust obligations to Tribes. For more details, see https://www.bia.gov/whcnaa.

2	The 2023 image was created by Coral Avery, a citizen of the Shawnee Tribe of the Shawnee, with support
from BIA Tribal Climate Resilience funds through USGS's Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center.
https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/artwork-webinar-series-incorporating-indigenous-knowledges-
federal-research-and.

3	https://www.bia.gov/faas/what-federal-indian-reservation

4	This guide uses the term Indigenous Knowledge, but we recognize that other terms are used by or are
more familiar to different people, including Traditional Knowledge, Traditional Ecological Knowledge and
Native Science.

5	Blasch K, S. Hundt, P. Wurster, Sando R, A. Berthelote. 2018. Streamflow contributions from tribal lands
to major river basins of the United States. PLoS ONE 13(9]: e0203872.
https://doi.org/10.1371/iournal.pone.0203872

6	Native American Fish and Wildlife Society. The Recovering America's Wildlife Act.
https://www.nwf.0rg/-/media/D0cuments/PDFs/Wildlife-C0nservati0n/RAWA-Tribal-fact-sheet.pdf

7	https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fv24-twg-foa.pdf

8	Cordalis, D. and D.B. Suagee. 2008. The Effects of Climate Change on American Indian and Alaska Native
Tribes. Natural Resources & Environment 22(3], American Bar Association.

https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/publications/natural resources environment/2008
winter/nre win08 cordalis suagee.authcheckdam.pdf

9	NCA5

10	NCA5

11	NCA5

12	FEMA Tribal Hazard Mitigation Planning Handbook

13	https://www.bia.gov/faas/what-federal-indian-reservation

14	https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/va/lndigenousStewardship.pdf

15	https://nativeland.info/dashboard/land-covers-on-native-lands-in-the-coterminous-united-states/

16	https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/va/lndigenousStewardship.pdf

17	Waller, D.M. and Reo, N.J. 2018. First Stewards: Ecological Outcomes of Forest and Wildlife Stewardship by
Indigenous peoples of Wisconsin, USA. Dartmouth Scholarship.
https://digitalcommons.dartmouth.edu/facoa/3482

18	Sierra Nevada Ecosystem Project. 1996. Final report to Congress, vol. II, Assessments and scientific basis
for management options. Davis: University of California, Centers for Water and Wildland Resources.
https://pubs.usgs.gov/dds/dds-43/V0L ll/VII C09.PDF

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