White Earth Tribe: Minnesota’s First Tribal Conservation District

USDA Undersecretary for Natural Resources and Environment Mark Rey recently signed a mutual agreement with the White Earth Tribe making them the first tribal conservation district in Minnesota.  Signed by Rey on behalf of USDA Secretary Mike Johanns, the agreement formally recognizes the tribe as within USDA’s statutory authorities, regulations, and policies for purposes of delivering USDA conservation programs on tribal lands.  The White Earth agreement marks the formation of the 27th tribal conservation district in the U.S.  These agreements affirm USDA’s commitment to tribal government assistance as well as USDA’s goals for better serving farmers, ranchers, communities, and consumers in Indian country.  The development of the tribal district will open up conservation opportunities for the White Earth Tribe in northern Minnesota.

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Although the Reservation has many different entities interested in natural resources, a top White Earth Tribe priority will be raising awareness of how to preserve the natural resources for future generations.  The White Earth tribal conservation district mission statement promises to serve "the White Earth Band of Ojibwe through the conservation of soil, water, and natural resources."  Dawn Kier has been elected to serve as the Chairwoman of the White Earth conservation district.
Your contact is Dustin Jasken, NRCS soil conservationist, at 218-573-3842.