Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act of 2025

Summary

Requires federal land management agencies to create Tribal Co-Management Plans and expands legal authority for the Forest Service to enter agreements with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations to carry out forest and related activities on federal lands identified as historically, culturally, or geographically related to those Tribes. Sets training requirements for Department of the Interior staff, requires timetables and reporting, includes data-protection and review provisions, and authorizes $50 million for 2026–2030 to support Forest Service–tribal agreements.

• Federal land agencies must create Tribal Co-Management Plans identifying activities on lands tied to Tribes and consistent with land plans.
• Forest Service is authorized to enter agreements with Tribes to perform planning, management, R&D, restoration, heritage, and recreation activities on National Forest lands.
• At least five Forest Service–tribal agreements must be executed within four years of enactment.
• Department of the Interior employees working on co-management plans must receive training on indigenous knowledge, local tribal history, and the federal trust relationship.
• Tribal employees performing agreement work are treated as Forest Service employees for Federal Tort Claims Act purposes.
• The Act requires written denial notices with remedies and technical-assistance schedules and sets timelines for review and modification of long-term agreements.
• Secretary must publish eligible activities and report progress to Congress on a regular schedule.
• Authorizes $50 million for fiscal years 2026–2030 to support Forest Service–tribal agreements; funds remain available until expended.
• Includes protections for tribal data sovereignty, reduces reporting burden, and preserves existing tribal rights while not enlarging or diminishing them.
• Agreements are exempt from the Federal Acquisition Regulation but must still comply with environmental law.