BACKGROUND

In 2019, CRRC began the process of forming the Chugach Region Tribal Conservation District (CRTCD) to include traditional homelands of Alaska Native people in Southcentral Alaska. In 2021, the process was finally complete and the Chugach Region Tribal Conservation District was formed. CRRC recognizes the importance of addressing subsistence, environmental, and natural resource needs of our Tribal members through the utilization of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and other federal agency programs collectively designed to provide technical and other assistance to enhance the traditional subsistence way of living in perpetuity. 

CRTCD Mission

To carry out broad programs of assistance for the region and provide technical, research, educational, and financial assistance to landowners and users within the terms of the various statutes administered by the USDA. Have an adequate abundance of marine life, land animals, plants, migratory birds, and fowl for our future generations by protecting all lands, waters, and wetlands to provide subsistence. All interested parties working together to protect our natural resources and abundance of harvestable vegetation through the protection of our habitats.

CRTCD Vision

Enhance Alaska Native economic well-being by providing local employment, business, and economic opportunities, enhance subsistence and environmental management capabilities, and support self-determination to Alaska Native village residents through natural resource programs, education, and local economic development.

CRTCD Objectives

The District bases its effort on several objectives, which may be changed to meet the needs of the natural resources, stakeholders, and residents of the District. The District strives to accomplish its goals through cooperative relationships with any and all interested parties. These objectives are:

1. Advocate for Alaska Native hunting and fishing rights by keeping up to date with current fish and wildlife management trends in Southcentral Alaska

2. Enhance Alaska Native management of traditional lands and resources through cooperative agreements with land managers that are based upon indigenous knowledge systems and scientific principles.

3. Improve food security through community agriculture projects, infrastructure development, food-safe distribution support, and value-added product

4. Ensure that the District is a self-sustaining and professional model District effectively working with entities to assure the continued sufficient renewable natural resources in the District.

5. Provide a forum for education, knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, business incubators, and outreach around indigenous and scientific management principles and Traditional Ecological Knowledge systems.

6. Support sustainable practices through waste reduction and reduced energy consumption

WHAT IS A TRIBAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT?

A Tribal Conservation District:

• Is a Tribal entity focusing on supporting Tribal efforts to care for lands and natural resources, provide for the utilization, protection, conservation and restoration of Tribal lands for the benefit of the community in a partnership with the USDA.
• Serves as a locally led voice in leadership efforts to address and prioritize natural resource concerns within a defined area.
• Works closely with USDA agencies to strengthen government-to-government relations.
• Provide parity in access to federal conservation programs and provide assistance to manage lands in a productive and healthy manner.
• Makes available technical, financial and educational assistance to address the resource needs of the communities served.

HOW WAS THE CHUGACH REGION TRIBAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT FORMED?

CRRC Tribes formed the District by signing a resolution of support. By establishing this District under Tribal law, the District now has the power provided by the CRRC Board. The authority of the Chugach Region Tribal Conservation District to enter into this agreement is provided in the following Tribal Council Resolution Numbers:

• Chenega IRA Council Resolution No. 20-14
• Native Village of Eyak Resolution No. 2020-09-02
• Nanwalek IRA Council Resolution No. 2020-01
• Native Village of Port Graham Resolution No. 2020-12
• Qutekcak Native Tribe Resolution No. 20-01
• Tatitlek Village IRA Council Resolution No. 2020-13
• Valdez Native Tribe Resolution No. 2020-25

HOW IS TRIBAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT GOVERNED?

The Chugach Region Tribal Conservation District is governed by CRRC's 7 Board of Directors, one from each community with a diverse knowledge base and background experience. They serve as the hub for coordination efforts to carry out the resource needs of the Tribal Council. The Board consists of a Chairperson (President); Vice-Chairperson (Vice-President), Secretary/Treasurer and board members.

WHAT GUIDES THE TRIBAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT OPERATIONS?

The Chugach Region Tribal Conservation District has developed by-laws which include the numerous methods that affect the District’s operations. The bylaws contain provisions relating to the way the district conducts its affairs, the duties and responsibilities of the Board members, and communication and coordination protocols.

HOW DOES THE TRIBAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT IDENTIFY NATURAL RESOURCE CONCERNS?

Resource concerns have been identified by the Board and priorities established which gives the district permission to focus on natural resource and related issues that matter to the organization and Tribes and make a commitment to address the identified issues. Those issues include:

• Identifying and management of the watershed in the resource area is the sustainable distribution of its resources.
• Sustain and enhance watershed functions that affect the plant, animal, and human communities within the watershed boundary.
• Features of watersheds that tribes seek to manage include: water supply, water quality, drainage, stormwater runoff, water rights and overall planning of the entire watershed.

HOW DOES A TRIBAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT DEVELOP PLANS AND AGREEMENTS WITH USDA?

Tribal Conservation Districts signed a Mutual Agreement with USDA. The agreement is between USDA, Chugach Regional Resources Commission, and the Tribal Conservation District. The purpose of the agreement is to provide consultation, coordination and assistance between USDA and Tribal governments to plan and implement natural resource management and conservation programs on Indian Lands.