Tribal Trust Responsibilities

The United States has a unique government-to-government relationship with federally recognized Tribal Nations as defined through treaties, statutes, court decisions, Executive Orders, and Departmental Regulations. As an agency of the federal government, NRCS leadership and employees have the responsibility to engage in government-to-government consultation and collaboration with federally recognized Tribal Nations on policy development and program activities. The goal of these actions is to ensure that Tribal perspectives on the social, cultural, economic, and ecological aspects of agriculture, as well as Tribal food and natural resource priorities and goals, are heard and fully considered in agency decision-making processes.

Tribal Consultation

American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) Tribal Nations and Tribal Nation members are eligible to participate in all NRCS programs and may have special status as provided by statute or regulation. The NRCS Wisconsin State Conservationist is the government representative with responsibility for Tribal consultation. Tribal consultation occurs most commonly to meet the NRCS cultural resources protection responsibilities under the National Historic Preservation Act.  This Act defines Tribal consultation required when the NRCS is engaged in ground-disturbing activities. The State Conservationist is also responsible for carrying out Tribal consultation on policy, programs, and practices at the request of Tribal elected leadership.

The Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory Council, Wisconsin Wetlands Association, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service of Wisconsin, the Mashkiiziibii Natural Resources Department and the Red Cliff Treaty Natural Resources Division partnered to release these Tribal Conservation videos, highlighting the wetland and watershed conservation work being done by the Oneida Nation, and the Bad River and Red Cliff Bands of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Wisconsin. 

These videos continue to showcase the long-term landscape approach Tribes are taking to protect and manage water resources, mitigate flooding, enhance water quality and preserve vital habitats. Caring for these wetlands and watersheds not only serves to protect ecological balance but sustain their cultural heritage and way of life. A healthier, natural environment offers integral opportunities for Tribes to hunt, fish and gather what nature has provided. For more info on how Wisconsin Tribes are leading the way in wetland and watershed restoration, visit wisconsinwetlands.org.