CARA is the most significant conservation funding legislation any Congress has ever considered. Five hundred fifty Tribes are responsible for protecting the natural resources on 56 million acres of tribal land. The Tribes believe CARA will open the door to a reliable funding stream for conservation and wildlife management on tribal lands. Territory under the administration of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, rich with historical and natural sites, is home to numerous endangered species, said Dallas Massey, White Mountain Apache Tribal Chairman from Arizona. Its excellent recreational opportunities attract visitors from all over the country.
Recreational programs provide jobs to tribal members.
CARA will be critical in helping the tribe to save endangered species and to maintain recreational qualities of the area. CARA will benefit the Nez Perce Tribe socially, politically, economically and culturally, said Aaron Miles, Director of Nez Perce Tribe's Department of Natural Resources from Idaho. Severe exploitation of the environment throughout the last century led to its degradation. Native Americans want to restore their natural habitat to its past glory. The Nez Perce Tribe has a long record of successful reintroduction of species with limited money.