Timber Team 2024 Accomplishments

Dates: September 25, 2024 9:00am to 9:01am

In fiscal year 2024, the BIA Timber Team provided critical forestry support to 16 Tribes across eight states and five BIA regions, engaging in tasks such as forest inventory, timber sale preparation, silvicultural prescription writing, and training. The team’s efforts were complemented by their participation in key industry gatherings, including the Society of American Foresters Convention, the Northwest Regional Timber Sale Workshop, and the 47th Annual Intertribal Timber Council Symposium.

The Timber Team’s support to Tribes included:

• Remeasured 137 continuous forest inventory (CFI) plots following windstorm damage.
• Completed 744 stand exam plots.
• Conducted 543 timber cruise plots.
• Prepared 3,449 acres for commercial harvests and hazardous fuels reduction.
• Remeasured 2,037 individual pinyon pine and juniper trees for a woodlands stocking study.
• Provided forestry training for 9 different Tribal technicians and one Tribal forester.
• Engaged with 16 Tribes across 8 states and spent 28 weeks in the field.

Over the course of 17 trips, nine were dedicated to various forms of forest inventory and data collection, tailored to each Tribe’s specific needs. The team assisted in stand exam data collection, timber cruising, woodland stocking surveys, and continuous forestry inventory. The data gathered not only offered updated insights into the health and condition of Tribal forests but also played a crucial role in updating forest management plans. The remaining eight trips focused on timber sale preparation, involving the layout of sale boundaries and the implementation of diverse silvicultural prescriptions.

In FY24, the Timber Team expanded its services to include silvicultural prescription writing for BIA agencies and Tribal forestry programs. Drawing on expertise from the National Advanced Silviculture Program (NASP), the team applied advanced hardwood management strategies to assist the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina. Key recommendations included crop tree release for white oaks and hickory species, the creation of shelterwood gaps, and the reintroduction of cultural fire practices to promote regeneration of desirable hardwood species. These measures aim to enhance forest health and sustainability in the region.

The Timber Team’s involvement in professional development opportunities such as the Northwest Regional Timber Sale Workshop and the Intertribal Timber Council Symposium provided invaluable insights. The workshop deepened the team's understanding of timber sale processes, appraisals, bidding, administration, and quality control. The symposium offered a platform to engage with foresters nationwide, explore the history of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian forests, and delve into advanced topics such as carbon markets, traditional ecological knowledge, and partnership engagement.

Looking ahead to fiscal year 2025, the Timber Team is preparing for a new series of projects. The Division of Forestry is currently soliciting proposals for Timber Team initiatives, and the team invites federal and Tribal staff to participate, either to gain experience or to serve as mentors. Early plans for 2025 include CFI data collection for the Hualapai Reservation in Arizona, timber sale preparation for several Tribes within the Eastern Oklahoma Region, and further timber sale preparation for the Uintah and Ouray Reservation in Utah. All project proposals should be submitted to the Regional Forester or Regional Director.

The Timber Team would also like to invite any BIA or Tribal Pathways interns to join the team for the summer of 2025. This is an incredible opportunity to mentor university students in various forestry disciplines with field experience and expose them to forest resource management across Indian Country.

Visit the Timber Team webpage to access the project request form, contact information and additional information about the Timber Team. 

You may also visit the BIA Forestry and Wildland Fire Facebook to catch up on current events and view photos from recent Timber Team trips.

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