News Feature                                                            8/17/2007

Minnesota NRCS signs it’s 6th Cultural Resources Agreement

Minnesota NRCS signed a cultural resources tribal agreement with the Bois Forte Band  of Chippewa Indians on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at the Grand Casino Mille Lacs located in Onamia, Minnesota. The signing kicked off the 2^nd day of the Minnesota Tribal Conservation Advisory Council Outreach and Training Conference.

Minnesota NRCS State Conservationist William Hunt along with Bois Forte Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Rose Berens signed the protocol which outlines a process for consulting with the tribe prior to implementing any practices (i.e. undertakings) that will affect tribal lands and resources, especially within reservation boundaries.  Berens appreciated the opportunity to work with MN NRCS in developing a consultation protocol that ensures that the tribe’s interests especially relating to natural resources and traditional cultural and spiritual places, are represented and considered in all phases of conservation planning. 

This agreement continues to strengthen our government-to-government relationship with the tribe and builds on an already established conservation partnership. For additional information pertaining to cultural resources and tribal consultation protocols, please contact Patrick McLoughlin at (651)-602-7907 or via e-mail at Patrick.mcloughlin@mn.usda.gov

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