Letter from the Chairman National Bison Range Complex Draft Annual Funding Agreement and Invitation to Upcoming Public Meetings September 8th & 9th
After ten years of hard work, the Confederated Salish, Pend d'Oreille and Kootenai Tribes are on the brink of successfully implementing an Annual Funding Agreement (AFA) with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service enabling the Tribes to perform biological, visitor services, fire suppression and maintenance activities at the National Bison Range Complex. The National Bison Range Complex areas included in the AFA encompass not only the National Bison Range, but also the Ninepipe National Wetland Management District; the Pablo National Wildlife Refuge; and the waterfowl production areas within the Reservation. Although our Tribes have worked in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife for many years on various issues affecting natural resources throughout the reservation, this AFA will expand our participation and will offer new opportunities for CSKT participation at the National Bison Range. We are proud to have this opportunity. Under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, CSKT is able to enter into agreements with the Department of Interior to perform activities, such as those proposed for the National Bison Range Complex, when federal programs have geographic, historic or cultural significance to a Tribe. The Confederated Salish, Pend d'Oreille and Kootenai Tribes have significant connections in all three areas. Geographically, the National Bison Range sits in the heart of our reserved homeland. Historically, we are connected by the foresight of our direct ancestors who preserved the forebears of the bison that roam the range today. And most importantly, the life-sustaining, cultural connection to the bison, and the land of the range, is also an honored part of our tradition and value system as Indian People today. Currently though, much more needs to be done before the Annual Funding Agreement of the National Bison Range Complex can be finalized. Right now we are in the midst of a 90-day public comment period that will end on October 12, 2004. After that, both the Tribes and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will evaluate substantive comments that were submitted during the public comment period and decide whether or not any changes need to be made to the draft AFA. Once FWS and CSKT agree on changes (if any), the AFA will be signed by both parties and then submitted to Congress for a 90-day review. Only after that period of Congressional review can the AFA become effective.
What does this mean for the Confederated Salish, Pend d'Oreille and Kootenai Tribes? It means that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Congressional representatives and the general public need to hear from our supporters. As you know, the usual detractors have surfaced once again to oppose any progress on the part of the Tribes. There are some folks who will never accept the idea of Tribal governments undertaking any activity. These detractors are vocal, and they are actively working to discourage support of the draft AFA. But there's more than one voice out there. We need your support. Here's how: 1) Submit a written, substantive comment that refers directly to the draft Annual Funding Agreement for the National Bison Range Complex. You can pick up a copy of the draft AFA at the CSKT Tribal Headquarters in Pablo, or you can download a copy at http://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/cskt-fws-negotiation/. There you can also find the email link draftafapubliccomments@fws.gov where you can directly send written comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. If you prefer to write out a hard copy, please send your comments to the following address: National Bison Range 132 Bison Range Road Moeise, MT 59824 2) Additionally, show your support by attending the public meetings. The first public meeting on the National Bison Range Complex will take place in Polson, on Wednesday, September 8 at the Polson High School gymnasium beginning at 6pm. The second meeting will take place in Missoula, on Thursday, September 9 at the Ruby's Reserve Street Inn and Convention Center beginning at 6pm. For this meeting the Tribes will provide a shuttle bus that will pick-up folks and return them at pick-up areas in Pablo, Ronan, St. Ignatius and Arlee.
3) Lastly, there will also be an open house at the National Bison Range, tentatively scheduled on Wednesday, September 22 from 7:30am to 4pm. Please stop by this open house as another way to show support for the Tribes.
It is very important for public comments supporting the CSKT-FWS AFA not to get lost amongst a much larger number of comments opposing the Tribes' participation at the Bison Range. We know that our opponents will orchestrate an intense campaign to submit hundreds or thousands of comments opposing this AFA. When this public comment period ends, we need to have many substantive, and constructive comments that will show strong public support for the AFA, as well as help make the agreement the best that it can possibly be. Be a part of history, be part of a proud Nation. Join the herd!
Please submit a written comment, and attend the public meetings in support of the efforts at the National Bison Range Complex by the Confederated Salish, Pend d'Oreille and Kootenai people.
Sincerely, D. Fred Matt Tribal Chairman