USDA Unveils New Strategy to Enhance Tribal Land Conservation and Stewardship

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has unveiled a new strategy aimed at enhancing the protection and preservation of natural resources and farmland across tribal lands. This strategy recognizes the unique needs and concerns of the 574 federally recognized tribes, nearly half of which are in the West, where they manage or farm more than 55 million acres of land.

Roylene Comes At Night, the USDA’s conservationist in Washington State and a member of the Blackfeet Nation, emphasized that the strategy will allow tribes to adapt and apply conservation practices tailored to their specific needs.

The plan includes increased funding, staffing, and a commitment to integrating Indigenous knowledge into conservation work.

In addition to the core goal of supporting tribes’ cultural and farming traditions, the strategy also focuses on creating a tribal relations director position, developing a tribal knowledge training plan, and ensuring the accuracy of conservation data.

This effort aims to incorporate tribal priorities and traditional ecological practices into future federal policies and conservation programs.

The USDA’s new approach is part of a broader effort to align federal conservation efforts with tribal values, enhancing environmental stewardship and honoring the rich knowledge Indigenous communities have long held.