**MUTUAL AGREEMENT**

**between the**

**UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE**

**the**

**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Tribe/ Nation**

**and the**

**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Tribal Conservation
District**

**For their Cooperation in the Implementation of the Common Objectives
and Goals of USDA and the**

**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Nation**

**and the**

**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Tribal
Conservation District**

This Mutual Agreement (Agreement) is between the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA), the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Nation (Nation) and
the \_\_\_\_\_ Soil and Water Conservation District (District).

Pursuant to the constitution of the \_\_\_\_\_\_ Nation, Article \_\_\_
Section \_\_\_, the \_\_\_\_\_ Tribal Council has the power to negotiate
with federal, state and local governments on behalf of the Tribe. The
authority of the District to enter into this agreement is provided in
Tribal Council Resolution No. \_\_\_\_\_.

The USDA enters into this agreement pursuant to Executive Order 13175,
Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, dated
November 6, 2000; Memorandum of Understanding between the United States
Department of the Interior and the United States Department of
Agriculture, and their various agencies, relative to planning and
implementing community development and natural resources management and
conservation programs on Indian lands, dated December 6, 2006.

**STATEMENT OF PURPOSE**

The parties have the common objective of assisting people in their
efforts to utilize and manage tribal resources in accordance with their
capabilities and needs for protection and improvement. Each party is
independent, has its respective responsibilities, yet recognizes the
need to coordinate as partners for the successful delivery of all USDA
programs.

**IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT:**

Broad based community development and conservation programs delivered
through the cooperation of the USDA and the Tribe are vital to the
protection of the natural resources, economic stability and well-being
of this country.

The parties reaffirm the relationship between the USDA and the Tribe.
The Secretary of Agriculture intends to continue, within the terms of
the various statutes administered by the USDA, to carry out broad
programs of assistance encompassing technical, research, educational,
and financial assistance to landowners and users. The parties also
recognize and encourage a commitment from the Tribe in aiding the
administration, coordination, financing, and delivery of all USDA
programs related to community development and natural resources
management and conservation programs.

This agreement is not intended to, and does not create, any right,
benefit, or trust responsibility, substantive or procedural, enforceable
at law or equity, by any party against the United States, its agencies,
its officers, or any person.

It is understood that any financial assistance agreements entered into
with the USDA in furtherance of this agreement shall require a written
assurance from the recipient that all programs and activities will be
conducted in compliance with all applicable Federal civil rights laws,
rules, regulations and policies.

This agreement supercedes any prior memorandum of understanding or
agreement and it is effective upon the signature of the parties. It may
be modified at any time by mutual consent of both parties and can be
terminated by either party by a sixty (60) day written notice to the
other party.

The parties will encourage other community development and natural
resources related agencies to develop similar agreements.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

By:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

> Secretary of Agriculture

Date: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NATION

By: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Tribal Governor or Chief

Date: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ TRIBAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT

By:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Conservation District Chairperson

Date: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_