[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 203 (Tuesday, October 21, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54644-54647]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-27750]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Office of the Secretary


List of Programs Eligible for Inclusion in Fiscal Year 1999 
Annual Funding Agreements To Be Negotiated With Self-Governance Tribes 
by Interior Bureaus Other Than the Bureau of Indian Affairs

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice lists programs or portions of programs that are 
eligible for inclusion in Fiscal Year 1999 annual funding agreements 
with self-governance tribes and lists programmatic targets for each of 
the non-BIA bureaus, pursuant to section 405(c)(4) of the Tribal Self-
Governance Act.

DATES: This notice expires on September 30, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Inquiries or comments regarding this notice may be directed 
to the Office of Self-Governance, 1849 C Street NW, 2548 MIB, 
Washington, DC 20240. Telephone (202) 219-0240 or to the bureau points 
of contact listed below.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Title II of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance 
Act Amendments of 1994 (P.L. 103-413, the ``Self-Governance Act'' or 
the ``Act'') instituted a permanent tribal self-governance program at 
the Department of the Interior (DOI). Under the self-governance program 
certain programs, functions, services, and activities or portions 
thereof in Interior bureaus other than BIA are eligible to be planned, 
conducted, consolidated, and administered by a self-governance tribal 
government.
    Under section 405(c) of the Self-Governance Act, the Secretary of 
the Interior is required to publish annually: (1) A list of non-BIA 
programs, services, activities, and functions or portions thereof, that 
are eligible for inclusion in agreements negotiated under the self-
governance program; and (2) programmatic targets for these bureaus.
    Under the Self-Governance Act, two categories of non-BIA programs 
are eligible for self-governance funding agreements.
    Under section 403(b)(2) of the Act, any non-BIA program, service, 
function or activity that is administered by Interior that is 
``otherwise available to Indian tribes or Indians,'' can be 
administered by a tribal government through a self-governance 
agreement. The Department interprets this provision to require only the 
inclusion of programs eligible for self-determination contracting under 
Title I of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 
(P.L. 93-638).
    Under section 403(c) of the Act, the Secretary may include other 
programs, services, functions, and activities, or portions thereof, 
that are of ``special geographic, historical, or cultural 
significance'' to a self-governance tribe.
    Under section 403(k) of the Self-Governance Act, annual agreements 
cannot include programs, services, functions, or activities that are 
inherently Federal or where the statute establishing the existing 
program does not authorize the type of participation sought by the 
tribe. However, a tribe (or tribes) need not be identified in the 
authorizing statutes in order for a program or element to be included 
in a self-governance agreement. While general legal and policy guidance 
regarding what constitutes an inherently Federal function exists, we 
will determine whether a specific function is inherently Federal on a 
case-by-case basis considering the totality of circumstances.

II. Annual Funding Agreements Between Self-Governance Tribes and Non-
BIA Bureaus of the Department of the Interior

    During Fiscal Year 1996, one annual funding agreement was 
negotiated by the Bureau of Reclamation and the Gila River Indian 
Community for work related to a portion of the Central Arizona Project. 
This successor annual funding agreement to continue development of an 
irrigation system on their reservation as authorized by section 301(a) 
of the Colorado River Basin Project Act was begun in Fiscal Year 1997. 
Another successor agreement is continuing in Fiscal Year 1998.
    In Fiscal Year 1997, two agreements were negotiated by the National 
Park Service. The annual funding agreement with Kawerak, Inc., 
supported by funds from the shared Beringian heritage program, builds 
on the previous agreement and covers work to be completed in Fiscal 
Year 1998. This work will result in a more complete record of the 
Bering Strait Region's Inupiat, St. Lawrence Island Yupik and Southern 
Norton Sound Yupik culture, history, knowledge and traditions. The self 
governance cooperative agreement with Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe enables 
the Elwha to carry out selected National Park Service functions, 
services and activities under the NPS Elwha River Restoration Program.

III. Eligible Programs of the Department of the Interior non-BIA 
Bureaus

    Following this paragraph is a listing by bureau of the types of 
non-BIA programs, or portions thereof, that may be eligible for self-
governance annual funding agreements because they are either 
``otherwise available to Indians'' and not precluded by any other law, 
or may have ``special geographic, historical, or cultural 
significance'' to a participating tribe. This summary is a general 
listing that represents the bureaus' best estimates of activities that 
may be available for negotiation at the request of the self-governance 
tribe. Since 1996, the Bureau of Mines no longer exists and, therefore, 
is not on this list.
    The Department will also consider for inclusion in annual funding 
agreements other programs or activities not included in this listing, 
but which, upon request of a self-governance tribe, the Department 
determines to be eligible under either sections 403(b)(3) or 403(c) of 
the Act. If you have any questions about these programs or other 
programs that you may be interested in, please contact the appropriate 
bureau representative.

A. Eligible Programs of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

    BLM management responsibilities cover a wide range of areas such as 
recreational activities, timber, range and minerals management, 
wildlife habitat management and watershed restoration. In addition, BLM 
is responsible for the survey of certain Federal and tribal lands. Two 
programs also provide tribal services: (1) Tribal and allottee minerals

[[Page 54645]]

management; and (2) Survey of tribal and allottee lands. BLM contracts 
out some of its activities in the management of public lands. These and 
other activities, dependent upon the availability of funds, the need 
for specific services, or the self-governance tribe demonstrating a 
special geographic, cultural, or historical connection, may be 
available for inclusion in agreements. Once a tribe has made initial 
contact with BLM, more specific information will be provided by the 
respective BLM State office.
Programs Otherwise Available
    1. Cadastral Survey. Tribal and allottee cadastral survey services 
are already available for contracts under Title I of the Act and may be 
available for inclusion in an annual funding agreement.
    2. Minerals Management. Inspection and enforcement of Indian oil 
and gas operations, inspection, enforcement and production verification 
of Indian sand and gravel operations: These activities, already 
available for contracts under Title I of the Act, may be available for 
inclusion in an annual funding agreement.
Potential tribal connection
    1. Cultural Heritage. Cultural heritage activities, such as 
research and inventory, may be available in specific States.
    2. Forestry Management. Activities, such as environmental studies, 
tree planting, thinning and similar work may be available in specific 
States.
    3. Range Management. Activities such as re-vegetation, noxious weed 
control, fencing, and similar activities may be available in specific 
States.
    4. Riparian Management. Activities such as facilities construction, 
erosion control, rehabilitation, and similar activities may be 
available in specific States.
    5. Recreation Management. Activities such as facilities 
construction and maintenance, interpretive design and construction, and 
similar activities may be available in specific States.
    6. Wildlife and Fisheries Habitat Management. Activities such as 
construction and maintenance, interpretive design and construction, and 
similar activities may be available in specific States.
    For questions regarding Indian self-governance contact the BLM 
Self-Governance Coordinator, Dr. Marilyn Nickels, Washington Office, 
1849 C Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20240, (202) 452-0330, fax: (202) 
452-7701. General information on all contracts available in a given 
year through the BLM can be obtained from the BLM National Business 
Center, PO Box 25047, Bldg 50 Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225-
0047.

B. Eligible Programs of the Bureau of Reclamation

    Reclamation operates a wide range of water resource management 
projects for hydroelectric power generation, municipal and industrial 
water supplies, flood control, outdoor recreation, enhancement of fish 
and wildlife habitats, and research. Most of Reclamation's activities 
involve construction, operation and maintenance, and management of 
water resources projects and associated facilities. Components of the 
following Fiscal Year 1999 water resource management and construction 
projects may be eligible for self-governance annual funding agreements.

1. Wetlands Enhancement Project (Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma)--OK
2. Klamath Project--CA, OR
3. Newlands Project--NV, CA
4. Trinity River Restoration Program--CA
5. Central Valley Project (Trinity Division)--CA
6. Central Arizona Project--AZ, CA, NM, UT
7. Colorado River Front Work/Levee System--AZ, CA, NV
8. Lower Colorado Indian Water Management Study--AZ, CA, NV
9. Washoe Project--NV, CA
10. Yuma Area Projects--AZ, CA, NV
11. Wild Horse Dam and Reservoir--NV
12. Indian Water Rights Settlement Projects--as Congressionally 
authorized.

    For questions regarding self-governance contact Dr. Barbara 
McDowell, Native American Affairs Office, Bureau of Reclamation (W-
6100), 1849 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20240-0001, (202) 208-4733, 
fax: (202) 208-6688.

C. Eligible Programs of the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)

    The mission of FWS is to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, 
wildlife, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American 
people. Primary responsibilities are for migratory birds, endangered 
species, freshwater and anadromous fisheries, and certain marine 
mammals. FWS has a continuing cooperative relationship with a number of 
Indian tribes through the National Wildlife Refuge System and the 
National Fish Hatcheries program. FWS will discuss participation in any 
program with any Indian tribe, self-governance or non-self-governance. 
Any tribe may contact a wildlife refuge or fish hatchery about direct 
contracting or entering into cooperative agreements.
    Some elements of the following programs may be eligible for 
contracting under a self-governance annual funding agreement:
    1. Fish & Wildlife Technical Assistance, Restoration & Conservation

a. Fish & wildlife population surveys
b. Habitat surveys
c. Sport fish restoration
d. Feeding depredating migratory birds
e. Fish & wildlife program planning
f. Habitat restoration activities

    2. Endangered Species Program

a. Cooperative management of conservation programs
b. Development of recovery plans
c. Conducting status surveys for high priority candidate species
d. Recovery plan implementation

    3. Education Programs

a. Interpretation
b. Outdoor classrooms
c. Visitor center operations
d. Volunteer coordination efforts on & off-refuge

    4. Environmental Contaminants Program

a. Analytical devices
b. Removal of underground storage tanks
c. Specific cleanup activities
d. Natural resource economic analysis
e. Specific field data gathering efforts

    5. Hatchery Operations

a. Egg taking
b. Rearing/feeding
c. Disease treatment
d. Tagging
e. Clerical/facility maintenance

    6. Wetland & Habitat Conservation and Restoration

a. Construction
b. Planning activities
c. Habitat monitoring and management

    7. Conservation Law Enforcement

a. All law enforcement efforts under cross-deputization

    8. National Wildlife Refuge Operations & Maintenance

a. Construction
b. Farming
c. Concessions
d. Maintenance
e. Comprehensive management planning
f. Biological program efforts
g. Habitat management
Locations of National Wildlife Refuges in Close Proximity to Self-
Governance Tribes
1. Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge--CA

[[Page 54646]]

2. Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge--ID
3. Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge--MN
4. Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge--MN
5. Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge--MN
6. Pablo National Wildlife Refuge--MT
7. Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge--MT
8. National Bison Range--MT
9. Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge--OK
10. Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge--OK
11. Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge--OR
12. San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge--WA
13. Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge--WA
14. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge--WA
15. Alaska National Wildlife Refuges Statewide--AK
16. Mescalero National Fish Hatchery--NM
17. Alchesay National Fish Hatchery--AZ
18. Quinault National Fish Hatchery--WA
19. Makah National Fish Hatchery--WA

    For questions regarding self-governance contact Duncan Brown, 
Native American Liaison, Fish and Wildlife Service (MS3012), 1849 C 
Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20240-0001, (202) 208-4133, fax: (202) 208-
7407.

D. Eligible Programs of the Minerals Management Service (MMS)

    MMS provides responsible stewardship of America's offshore 
resources and collects revenues generated from mineral leases on 
Federal and Indian lands. MMS is responsible for the management of the 
Federal Outer Continental Shelf, which are submerged lands off the 
coasts that have significant energy and mineral resources. MMS also 
offers mineral-owning tribes other opportunities to become involved in 
MMS's Royalty Management Program functions.
    Within the Offshore Minerals Management program, environmental 
impact assessments and statements, and environmental studies, may be 
available if a self-governance tribe demonstrates a special geographic, 
cultural, or historical connection.
    Generally, royalty management programs are available to tribes 
because of their status as Indians. Royalty management programs that 
may be available to self-governance tribes are as follows.
    1. Audit of Tribal Royalty Payments. Audit activities for tribal 
leases including issuing demands, subpoenas and orders to perform 
restructured accounting. Excepted activities are the issuance of final 
valuation decisions, and other enforcement activities. (For tribes 
already participating in MMS delegated audits, this program is offered 
as an optional alternative.)
    2. Verification of Tribal Royalty Payments. Financial compliance 
verification and monitoring activities, production verification, and 
appeals research and analysis.
    3. Tribal Royalty Reporting, Accounting and Data Management. 
Establishment and management of royalty reporting and accounting 
systems including document processing, production reporting, reference 
data (lease, payor, agreement) management, correction of erroneous 
report data, billing and general ledger.
    4. Tribal Royalty Valuation. Preliminary analysis and 
recommendations for valuation and allowance determinations and 
approvals.
    5. Royalty Management of Allottee Leases. Royalty management of 
allottee leases including the same activities listed for tribal leases.
    6. Online Monitoring of Royalties and Accounts. Online computer 
access to reports, payments, and royalty information contained in MMS 
accounts. MMS will install equipment at tribal locations, train tribal 
staff, and assist tribe in researching and monitoring all payments, 
reports, accounts, and historical information regarding their leases.
    7. Royalty Internship Program. This is a flexible orientation or 
training program for auditors and accountants from mineral producing 
tribes. The program is customized for each tribe's needs to acquaint 
tribal staff with royalty laws, procedures, and techniques or to 
prepare them to assume royalty management functions. This program is 
recommended for tribes that are considering a self-governance agreement 
but have not yet acquired mineral revenue expertise via a FOGRMA 
section 202 contract.
    For questions regarding self-governance contact Joan Killgore, 
Royalty Liaison Office, Minerals Management Service, 1849 C Street NW, 
Room 4241, Washington, D.C. 20240-0001, (202) 208-3512, fax (202) 208-
3982.

E. Eligible Programs of the National Park Service (NPS)

    The National Park Service administers the National Park System made 
up of national parks, monuments, historic sites, battlefields, 
seashores, lake shores and recreation areas. NPS maintains the park 
units, protects the natural and cultural resources, and conducts a 
range of visitor services such as law enforcement, interpretation of 
geology, history, and natural and cultural resources. Some elements of 
these programs may be eligible for contracting under a self-governance 
annual funding agreement. The list below was developed considering the 
geographic proximity to, and/or traditional association of a self-
governance tribe with, units of the National Park system, and the types 
of programs that have components that may be suitable for contracting 
through a self-governance annual funding agreement.
Otherwise Available On-Going Programs and Activities
Archeological surveys
Comprehensive management planning
Cultural resource management projects ethnographic studies
Erosion control
Fire protection
Hazardous fuel reduction
Housing construction and rehabilitation gathering baseline
Subsistence data--AK janitorial services
Maintenance
Natural resource management projects range assesssment--AK
Reindeer grazing--AK
Road repair
Solid waste collection and disposal
Trail rehabilitation

    Components of these programs are potentially eligible for inclusion 
in a Self-Governance annual funding agreement. Programs may be 
available within units of the National Park System.
Potential Tribal Connection
Special Programs
Beringia Research
Elwha River Restoration

    Aspects of these programs may be available if a self-governance 
tribe demonstrates a geographical, cultural, or historical connection.

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve--AK
Katmai National Park and Preserve--AK
Glacier BAy National Park and Preserve--AK
Sitka National Historical Park--AK
Kenai Fjords National Park--AK
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve--AK
Bering Land Bridge National Park--AK
Northwest Alaska Areas--AK
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve--AK

[[Page 54647]]

Yukon Charlie Rivers National Preserve--AK
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument--AZ
Josha Tree National Park--CA
Lassen Volcanic National Park--CA
Redwoods National Park--CA
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area--CA
Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument--ID
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore--MI
Voyageurs National Park--MI
Grand Portage National Monument--MN
Bear Paw Battlefield, Nez Perce National Historical Park--MT
Glacier National Park--MT
Great Basin National Park--NV
Bandelier National Monument--NM
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park--OK
Chickasaw National Recreation Area--OK
Effigy Mounds National Monument--IA
Olympic National Park--WA
San Juan Islands National Historic Park--WA
Mt. Rainier National Park--WA
Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve--WA

    Aspects of the ongoing programs and activities may be available at 
these park units with known geographic, cultural, or historical 
connections with a self-governance tribe.
    While NPS has tried to indicate the types of programs that may be 
available, this is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing. NPS 
will also discuss participation in any program with any Indian tribe, 
self-governance or non-self-governance.
    For questions regarding self-governance contact Dr. Patricia 
Parker, American Indian Liaison Office, National Park Service (2205), 
1849 C Street NW, Room 3410, Washington, D.C. 20240; telephone (202) 
208-5475, fax (202) 273-0870.

F. Eligible Programs of the Office of Surface Mining (OSM)

    OSM regulates surface coal mining and reclamation operations, and 
reclaims abandoned coal mines, in cooperation with States and Indian 
tribes.
    1. Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program. This program to restore 
eligible lands mined and abandoned or left inadequately restored is 
available to Indian tribes.
    2. Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining. 
This program includes analyses, NEPA documentation, technical reviews, 
and studies. Where surface coal mining exists on Indian land, certain 
regulatory activities that are not inherently Federal, including, for 
example, designation of areas unsuitable for mining, are available to 
Indian tribes.
    For questions regarding self-governance contact Maria Mitchell, 
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, 1951 Constitution 
Ave. NW, (MS-210-SIB), Washington, D.C. 20240, telephone (202) 208-
2847, fax (202) 208-3111.

G. Eligible Programs of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

    The mission of the U.S. Geological Survey is to provide information 
on biology, geology, hydrology, and cartography that contributes to the 
wise management of the nation's natural resources and to the health, 
safety, and well-being of the American people. Information includes 
maps, data bases, and descriptions and analyses of the water, plants, 
animals, energy, and mineral resources, land surface, underlying 
geologic structure and dynamic processes of the earth. Information on 
these scientific issues is developed through extensive research, field 
studies, and comprehensive data collection to: Evaluate natural hazards 
such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, floods, droughts, 
subsidence and other ground failures; assess energy, mineral, and water 
resources in terms of their quality, quantity, and availability; 
evaluate the habitats of animals and plants; and produce geographic, 
cartographic, and remotely-sensed information in digital and non-
digital formats. No USGS programs are specifically available to 
American Indians or Alaska Natives. Components of programs may have a 
special geographic, cultural, or historical connection with a tribe.
    1. Mineral, Environmental, and Energy Assessments. Components of 
this program that involve geologic research, data acquisition, and 
predictive modeling may be available for inclusion in an annual funding 
agreement.
    2. USGS Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program. Components of this 
program involves research, data acquisition, and modeling related to 
earthquakes and seismically active areas may be available for inclusion 
in an annual funding agreement.
    3. Water Resources Data Collection and Investigations. Components 
of this program may be available for inclusion in an annual funding 
agreement if a self-goverance tribe demonstrates a special geographic, 
cultural, or historical connection.
    4. Biological Resources Inventory, Monitoring, Research and 
Information Transfer Activities. Components of this program may be 
available for inclusion in an annual funding agreement if a self-
goverance tribe demonstrates a special geographic, cultural or 
historical connection.
    For questions regarding self-goverance contact Sue Marcus, American 
Indian/Alaska Native Liaison, U.S. Geological Survey, 105 National 
Center, Reston, VA 20192, telephone (703) 648-4437, fax (703) 648-5068.

IV. Programmatic Targets

    Each of the non-BIA bureaus will attempt to successfully negotiate 
at least one annual funding agreement with a self-goverance tribe for 
implementation in Fiscal Year 1998.

    Dated: October 15, 1997.
Juliette Falkner,
Special Assistant to the Secretary.
[FR Doc. 97-27750 Filed 10-20-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-10-M