Indian Buffalo Management Act

Indian Buffalo Management Act

This bill establishes a permanent program within the Department of the Interior to develop and promote tribal ownership and management of buffalo and buffalo habitat on Indian lands.

Specifically, the bill requires Interior to (1) enter into contracts, award grants, and provide technical assistance to Indian tribes and tribal organizations for activities related to buffalo restoration or management; (2) consult with tribes and tribal organizations on initiatives that affect buffalo or buffalo habitat, including efforts to contain or eradicate diseased buffalo; and (3) develop a policy relating to buffalo and buffalo habitat management activities on Indian land.

Additionally, Interior may enter into agreements with tribes or tribal organizations to transport surplus buffalo from federal land onto Indian land.

Bill 118 s 2908, also known as the Indian Buffalo Management Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress that aims to address the management and conservation of buffalo populations on Indian reservations. The bill specifically focuses on the management of wild buffalo herds on tribal lands, with the goal of promoting sustainable practices that benefit both the buffalo and the tribes.

The Indian Buffalo Management Act outlines a number of key provisions, including the establishment of a Tribal Buffalo Management Program that would provide funding and resources to tribes for the conservation and management of buffalo herds. The bill also calls for the development of management plans that take into account the cultural and spiritual significance of buffalo to Native American tribes.

Additionally, the Indian Buffalo Management Act seeks to promote collaboration between tribes, federal agencies, and other stakeholders in the management of buffalo populations. This includes the establishment of a Tribal Buffalo Management Advisory Council, which would advise on best practices for buffalo conservation and management. Overall, the Indian Buffalo Management Act aims to support tribal efforts to conserve and manage buffalo herds in a sustainable and culturally appropriate manner. By providing resources and promoting collaboration, the bill seeks to ensure the long-term viability of buffalo populations on Indian reservations.