OPA

A school for campground management for American Indians?

Isn't that like starting an aviation course for birds?

Not completely, said Secretary of the Interior Rogers, C. B. Morton, announcing a new training program by the National Palk service to teach the financial and technical aspects of tourist-oriented campground management to members of American Indian tribes. Graduates will return to their tribal homes to develop and manage public campgrounds on Indian lands.

"The program is a part of a major effort by the Department of the Interior assist in the development of tourism and recreational resources of the Nation's Indian reservations," Secretary Morton said. "The campground managers will be equipped to attract tourism dollars to their reservations, and give tourists the services they need."

Courses will be offered at the Albright Training Center in Grand Canyon National Park, Ariz., Secretary Morton said.

Financed by the Interior Department's Bureau of Indian Affairs and utilizing the training personnel and facilities of the National Park Service, two four-week sessions are planned this year, May 1-26 and June 5-30. There will be 24 trainees at each session. Those attending the first class will be drawn from Arizona, California, and New Mexico. The second session is ' expected to draw trainees from a wider area of the United States.

The first camp dedication will take place on the Hoopa Reservation in northern California May 20. Hoopa Indians will assist the Park Service in the training program.

Secretary of the Interior Rogers C. B. Morton today announced that he has requested the Justice Department to institute a suit to determine the rights of the Pyramid Lake Indians under the Winters Rights Doctrine with the priority date of 1859, and that the complaint to be filed set forth those rights on the Truckee River that have previously been decreed by the court.

In order to insure that the Tribes positions fully presented to the court. Secretary Morton also recommended that the Tribe be permitted to intervene as a party.

Pyramid Lake, a natural resource of national significance, is located about 30 miles northeast of Reno, Nevada, and is within the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, home of the Paiute Indians. At present, the Tribe has no court decreed rights to water of the Truckee River to maintain the lake.

Secretary Morton also announced that action will be taken to maximize the flow of water into Pyramid Lake. Legislation will be sought to develop supplementary sources of water, including a "cloud seeding” program, and to investigate the possibility of importing out- of-basin sources of water. Improvement of Truckee- Carson River Irrigation District facilities will be initiated.

On April 7, 1972, Secretary Morton announced issuance of operating criteria for the Truckee and Carson Rivers for calendar year 1972 and at the same time requested the Justice Department to take steps to insure that existing water decrees on the Truckee and Carson Rivers are strictly enforced to prevent illegal water uses and to require legitimate users to operate in accordance with the decrees.

The Secretary said that today's actions, and those announced on April 7, represent the first two steps of a broader program to implement the recommendations of the Pyramid Lake Task Force, whose final report was recently submitted following more than two years of intensive study Of the problems and established jointly by the Secretary of the Interior, the Governor of California and the Governor of Nevada.

Commissioner of Indian Affairs Louis R. Bruce announced today that he has directed the establishment of a reconnaissance patrol along certain portions of the border between the Hopi reservation and the area that is jointly used by the Navajo and Hopi tribes.

"I am establishing this patrol because of my concern for the increasing tension that appears to be present in this area. The patrol will act primarily as a courtesy patrol to prevent or reduce any tensions that might arise or exist along certain areas on the Hopi reservation (District 6) boundary, “Commissioner Bruce added. “Each patrol vehicle will be manned by one Navajo and one Hopi" the Commissioner said.

"The decision was made after discussion with Hopi Tribal Chairman Clarence Hamilton and Navajo Tribal. Vice Chairman Wilson Skeet, II the Commissioner said. An 1882 Executive Order created a 70 x 55 mile, 2,500,000 acre reservation in Arizona "for the use of Moqui (Hopi) and such other Indians as the Secretary of the Interior may see fit to settle -thereon." A 1934 statute defined the boundaries of the much larger Navajo Reservation as completely encompass the 1882 reservation, but expressly provided that it did not "affect the existing status of the Moqui (Hopi) Indian Reservation created by Executive Order of December 16, 1882.

In 1962,' a three-judge Federal Court held that the Hopi had the exclusive, beneficial interest in the 661, 194, acre tract, sometimes referred to as land management district 6, in the South central part of the Executive Order area, and that the remainder of the 1882 reservation, the Navajo Tribe and the Hopi Tribe had joint undivided and equal interests as the surface and subsurface, including all resources appertaining thereto, subject to the trust title of the United States.

Commissioner Bruce said -that markers win be erected to visibly define the boundary between the Hopi, Reservation and the joint use area

“I hope this action will help alleviate tension and encourage joint discussion: between the two tribes aimed at tribal problem to a joint tribal problem with friendly negotiations," Commissioner Bruce said.

Regulations for preparing a roll of the Northwestern Band of Shoshone Indians eligible to share in the distribution of $15.7 million were issued today by the Secretary of the Interior Rogers C. B. Morton, Commissioner of Indian Affairs Louis R. Bruce announced.

The award represents settlement by compromises of claims for the taking in 1868 and 1869 of about 38,000,000 acres of land in Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada aboriginally owned by the Shoshone Tribe; the use of funds of the Shoshone Bannock Tribes of Fort Hall for irrigation projects; the taking of about 297,000 acres of Fort Hall Reservation land in 1889; the taking of 407,000 acres of Fort Hall reservation land in 1898; and failure of the United States to provide a reservation for the Bannock Tribe as promised by the Treaty of July 3, 1868 (15 Stat. 673).

Shoshone Indians who may be eligible for enrollment must be:

1. Born prior to and living on December 18, 1971;
2. Either their names appear on one of the following Indian census rolls of the Washakie Sub-Agency of the Fort Hall jurisdiction:

• Roll dated January 1, 1937, by F. A. Gross, Superintendent of the Fort Hall Reservation.
• Roll dated January 1, 1940, by F. A. Gross, Superintendent of the Fort Hall Reservation.
• Roll dated March 10, 1954.
• Roll dated April 21, 1964.

or they possess one-quarter Shoshone Indian blood and they are descendants of those appearing on at least one of said rolls;

1. They are not recognized as members of the Shoshone Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation, the Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Reservation, or any other Indian Tribe; and
2. They shall elect not to participate in any settlement of claims pending before the Indian Claims Commission in docket 326-J, Shoshone-Goshute, and docket 326-K, Western Shoshone.

Commissioner of Indian Affairs Louis R. Bruce today announced the appointment of Orville N. Hicks, 44, a graduate of Colorado State University in range management and a veteran of 20 years of Bureau of Indian Affairs service as Superintendent of the new Lower Brule Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs, with headquarters at Lower Brule, S. Dak.

He will assume the duties of his post January 9.

Two new agencies, the Lower Brule and Crow Creek, replace the Pierre Agency, which formerly had responsibilities toward the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe and the Crow Creek Tribe. Hicks was awarded a quality increase in 1965 after a Bureau career that included range conservation and land operations functions including administration - in Shiprock, New Mexico, Widow Rock, Arizona, Eagle Butte, South Dakota, and with the Aberdeen Area Office, Aberdeen, South Dakota.

He entered federal service in 1950 as a range aid with the U. S. Forest Service, Denver, Colorado. His university minor was forestry. He has attended a variety of management and executive training programs as a Bureau of Indian Affair’s employee.

Tribes of the Salt and Gila River Indian Reservations in Arizona will use satellite and high altitude aircraft photography to aid in the management of, reservation lands and resources, the Department of the Interior announced today.

The project linked to the Interior Department's EROS (Earth Resources Observation Systems) program, technically administered by the U. S. Geological Survey, is aimed at using conventional photography and other remote sensing data that will be relayed by a NASA earth resources survey satellite, which is scheduled for launching before summer.

The data will be used to aid the Indians in a wide variety of environmental and resource problems including detection of land use configuration, solid waste deterioration, natural vegetation, and crop and grazing and conditions.

Dr. Arch C. Gerlach, chief geographer, USGS, Washington, D.C., said that the project resulted from briefings on the use of orbital and high altitude aircraft photography given to officials of the Indian communities by specialists of the Geological Survey and the Bureau of Indian Affairs at a recent meeting in Arizona.

“At the briefing," Gerlach said, "the Indians found such photography useful, and expressed a desire to initiate a project that could be geared to their region. They requested assistance from the EROS program, the Survey, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to implement the project."

The project will involve repetitive coverage by aircraft and spacecraft of a 3, OOO-square-mile area in south central Arizona, and is in line with President Nixon's program of using scientific and technological techniques gained from space programs to solve environmental problems.

"By receiving repetitive views of such a large area," Gerlac said, "important changes of land and water features can be monitored on a seasonal or more frequent basis. By treating the region as a single ecological unit, coupled with a data bank that can be programmed for automatic machine mapping, the ability to predict probable results of alternative decisions concerning land and resource use, might be achieved."

To help organization of data, Gerlach reported, "new base maps covering the two reservation areas are being prepared by the USGS Topographic Division. The maps will provide an accurate base on which to plot land use and environ­ 'mental conditions revealed by the high altitude photography."

"The resultant products," Gerlach said, "will be digitized and computer processed in order to manipulate information contained on various overlays."

Because most of the analytical work will be done by the Indians, related phases of the project will involve the training of Indians in the use of remote sensing data to assure continuance of the over-all program after the immediate project is completed.

Coordinating the project for the Interior Department will be George Loelkes, Geological Survey, and Arthur Wall, Bureau at Indian Affairs, Washington, D.C.

Commissioner of Indian Affairs Louis R. Bruce announced today the award of an initial $36,000 contract to the United Southeastern Tribes, Inc. for the establishment of an Employment Assistance Destination Services Center at Pascagoula, Mississippi.

The awarding of this contract is in keeping with the Commissioner's new thrust to encourage tribal groups to undertake services normally rendered by BIA. The USET, headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, consists of representatives from the Seminole, Miccosukee, Choctaw and Cherokee Indian tribes.

The purpose of the Indian Services Center is to furnish assistance to Indian people in making a smooth transition from reservation to urban living in the Pascagoula area. The Center will offer support services such as orientation, housing, counseling, medical assistance, and recreational and social aid as well as employment assistance.

This contract marks the first venture of this type undertaken by the southeastern tribal groups. The initial funds are for the remainder of FY 1972 with continuation of the program contingent upon its success and availability of funds.

Most of the Indian people have been recruited by the Litton Ship Systems which already employs 230 Indians. These 230 employees represent eleven different tribes and constitute a total of 450 Indian people now residing in Pascagoula.

Commenting on the Center, Commissioner Bruce said, "This contract responds directly to the desires and needs as expressed by the Indians of the southeastern U.S. The high job potential for skilled workers in this region will draw from the pool of trained people who have not found opportunities to use their skills on their home reservations or in other part of the country.

"The scope of services provided by the Service Center was largely suggested by the Indian contractors. We are confident they will do an outstanding job."

Commissioner of Indian Affairs Louis R. Bruce announced today that Donald I. Morgan, 37, a member of the Blackfeet Indian Tribe, has been named Superintendent of the Crow Creek Agency, Bureau of India, at Fort Thompson, South Dakota.

The appointment will became effective on May 14. He will be become the first superintendent of the Crow Creek Agency. This agency was formed when what had been the Pierre Agency was split into the Crow Creek and Lower Brule Agencies.

Morgan was born at Browning, Montana, and was graduated from Browning High School. He has taken college courses in Business Administration and Economics at the College of Great Falls, University of New Mexico and Central Washington State College. He served in the army for two years, from 1957 to 1959.

Morgan has been serving as Employment Assistance Officer at the Yakima Agency. He entered the Bureau in 1961 at the Wind River Agency and served successively at the Fort Defiance Agency; in the Los Angeles Field Employment Office; the Blackfeet Agency; and the Northern Cheyenne and Yakima agencies.

After great deliberation and reflection, I have determined that it is in the national interest of the United States to grant a right-of-way for the Trans -Alaska Pipeline which will transport crude petroleum from State lands in northern Alaska to the south coast port of Valdez.

This is a decision that required and has received a very careful consideration of this Nation's interest in protecting the human environment and our interest in maintaining a secure and adequate supply of a. vitally needed energy resource. Development of the Prudhoe Bay oil discovery and the transportation of that oil for use in the "lower 48" states will involve some environmental costs and some environmental risk regardless of how the oil is transported and over what route. On the other hand, the United States vitally needs the Prudhoe Bay oil and we need this delivered to our West Coast as promptly and as safely as possible. In reaching my decision, I have had the benefit of the most comprehensive environment mental impact statement ever prepared, as well as numerous studies and analyses and comments of many thoughtful people both within and without government concerning the environmental, economic, national security and other issues involved. I am convinced that the decision is consistent with the policies set by the Congress in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, which this Department and I, personally, are deeply committed to carry out.

Because this issue involves the balancing of complex considerations that this Nation will face again and again, I inquired deeply into many questions including the following:

1. Is it ill the national interest, including the regional interests of the people of Alaska, that the oil on the North Slope of Alaska be developed and transported to the "lower481 'states?
2. Which of several alternative routes described in our final impact statement are economically feasible and environmentally acceptable?
3. What are the relative environmental costs of the proposed combined Trans-Alaskan pipeline tanker system and a possible Trans-Alaska-Canada pipeline?
4. What route would make the most beneficial contribution to national energy requirements?
5. Can the suggested Trans-Alaska-Canada pipeline be translated into an action plan within a time frame, funding structure, and a delivery capacity for U.S. oil that would be compatible with United States National Interest?

Each of these questions requires a thoughtful analysis. My careful review of these issues has led me, with firm conviction, to the following conclusions:

National interest in Alaska North Slope

Our best estimate is that U.S. demand for oil by the year 1980 will range between20 and 25 million barrels per day and that without North Slope oil domestic production would be as low as9 to 12 million barrels per day, leaving a potential deficit of many millions of barrels per day. These figures take into account the reasonable prospects of developing other sources of energy.

In addition to the national interest served by developing domestic energy resource, delivery of the North Slope reserves to the " lower 48" through Alaska will be beneficial to the economic development of the State and is favored by a large majority of Alaskans.

Therefore, I conclude that we should now proceed with development of the Alaska North Slope resources.

Alternative Routes:

Of the several alternative routes described in the final environmental impact statement, I have given most serious consideration to two-- the Prudhoe Bay. Valdez route passing near Fairbanks, and the much longer Trans –Alaska Canada route along the Mackenzie River to Edmonton. Routes requiring tankers via the Northwest Passage, the Beaufort Sea or the Bering Sea are not technologically feasible at this time. Both land routes would require a right of-way permit over Alaska terrain.

Effect on National Energy Requirements:

Completion of the Trans-Alaska line would require at least three years from date of approval, thereby permitting the delivery of oil by about 1976. According to best estimates. The, Trans "Canada line would involve at least 3 to 5 years additional time for completion. The potential deficit in domestic supply to meet the United States oil requirements will become more critical as this decade progresses. (Under present circumstances, it is clear that imports from the eastern hemisphere would be the principal offset for that deficit. In addition to my own conclusions appropriate officials of the United States. Government have advised me that it is in the interest of national security, balance of payments, and reliability of energy supply to achieve early delivery of North Slope oil to reduce our dependence on such imports.

The Pacific Coast Region in 1975 will have a projected crude oil deficit, exclusive of Canadian and Alaskan sources of more than one million barrels per day. This deficit by 1980 is projected to increase to 2 million barrels per day and still greater in subsequent years.

Alaska North Slope Crude via Valdez will offset the need for foreign oil and will increase the U.S. tanker fleet operating on the high seas. In the first few years of operation of the proposed trans-Alaska pipeline the flow is expected to reach about one million barrels daily. Its capacity of 1.6 to 2 million barrels daily is not expected until 1980 or later. Alaska North Slope oil, therefore, will be a timely contribution to the needs of the West Coast-- a region that does not have the diversity and flexibility of supply available to the Midwest.

The Trans-Alaska-Canada Alternative:

Several factors make a bilateral arrangement for such an oil pipeline impractical at this time. These are:

1. U. S. requirement for the entire capacity of any oil pipeline;
2. Uncertainty and delay in arranging for financing of a Trans-Canada oil pipeline;
3. Delay of project pending the completion of environmental, engineering, and construction studies for a Canadian route.

I am convinced that it is our best national interest to avoid all further delays and uncertainties in planning the development of Alaska North Slope oil reserves by having a secure pipeline located under the total jurisdiction and for the exclusive use of the United States.

Conclusions:

I am proud of the way in which the Department of the Interior has responded to the letter and spirit of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Recognizing the need to protect the Alaskan environment, we have developed the strictest environmental regulations to control design and construction of the biggest non-Government project in history. These regulations will be strictly enforced. Surveillance and continual inspection will rigorously monitor design, construction, quality control testing, operation, and maintenance throughout the life of the pipeline. This will require the help of other Federal agencies such as the Department of Transportation, the Corps of Engineers, the Department of Commerce and the Environmental Protection Agency - - all of whom have agreed to assist in exercising our Federal responsibility.

To those people in the. United States who for honorable reasons differ with this decision let me say that my final decision-was reached after months of deliberation and with consideration of the views that have been expressed from all sides. On balance, l am confident that my decision now in favor of a Trans-Alaska pipeline is in the best interests of the Nation and the American people.

Two Federal agencies today acted to restore the traditional if buffalo to the Crow Indians' sacred Big Horn Mountain and help stimulate the growth of tourism in Montana.

The Department of the Interior will provide 35 bison to the tribe, and the department of Commerce will provide a $300,000 grant for fencing a 10,000-acre buffalo range. The actions were announced jointly by Interior Secretary Rogers C. B. Morton and Commerce Secretary Peter G. Peterson.

The Commerce grant is a part of President Nixon's program to create new and useful jobs in areas of high unemployment, and to assist the American Indians in the economic development of their reservations.

The grant will come from the Economic Development Administration, which is working with the Crow Tribe in the establishment of a comprehensive recreation and tourism program. The aim of the program is to create jobs and increase income for tribal members.

Assistant Secretary of Commerce Robert A. Podesta, who heads EDA, said the Federal grant will enable the Crow Tribal Recreation Commission to build fencing and management facilities for the buffalo range.

Secretary Morton said the National Park Service will assist the tribe in building the herd from the 35 head to be provided this fall to a model herd of 250 animals.

The buffalo herd is expected to be a major tourist attraction in southern Montana.

Restoration of the historic buffalo herd to Big Horn Mountain was given additional impetus following a visit to the Crow Reservation by C. Langhorne Washburn, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Tourism, and a group of foreign newsmen.

The travel writers were impressed with the tourism facilities on the reservation, but asked, "Where are the buffalo? Washburn reported on his return to Washington.

Construction of the fencing is expected to get under way during the spring with completion scheduled to permit the delivery of the buffalo this fall the fence projects is expected to provide jobs for up to 45 persons from the reservation.'

The $310,000 EDA grant will pay the total cost of developing the range.

In addition to fencing the pasture area from Hunters Canyon to Little Bull Elk Canyon near Arrowhead Springs, the project includes a corral, holding pens, an access road ·an equipment storage shed and the development of watering springs.

Tribal leaders say members of the tribe will participate in educational programs to enable them to manage the herd on a professional basis.

National Park Service officials say the buffalo for the Crow Reservation will come from the Theodore Roosevelt Nationalt1emorial Park herd at Medora, North Dakota. It is one of 11 herds managed by the Department of the Interior.