BIA Division of Forestry

BIA Division of Forestry Learn more about the BIA Division of Forestry online at bia.gov/DOF

The National Indian Forestry and Wildland Fire Management Program is a cooperative effort of the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of the Deputy Director - Trust Services, Division of Forestry and Wildland Fire Management, Intertribal Timber Council and individual Tribal governments on reservations that contain forest resources. Nationally, this accounts for approximately 18 million acres of forested land within approximately 60 million acres of total land with wildland fire management responsibility. About 2,500 BIA & Tribal employees work together in Indian Country to protect and manage this federal land held in trust for client Tribes located on reservations. Our organization is recognized for its leadership and innovation in the management of forested land in North America. We strive to continually improve and enhance Indian forests to equip them with the needs of Indian people now and for generations to come. Timber, waterways, fish & wildlife populations, livestock, cultural resources, traditional medicine, spiritual practices, recreation, firewood usage, renewable energy and many other resources & activities benefit from good strategic management developed and implemented on a reservation. Depending on a Tribe's management objectives, wise stewardship of these resources and activities may also produce significant economic benefits for Tribal enterprises, Tribal governments and individual Tribal members (per capita dividends). Timber production is our flagship program and we are recognized as the leading expert on sustainable forestry through uneven-aged management. Our organization also plays a critical role in management of wildland fire throughout North America on all land: federal, state, county and private. Indian fire crews are the backbone of the national fire suppression force and are known for their firefighting skill, bravery and dedication to excellence.

08/31/2026
Our hearts go out to the San Carlos Apache Tribe, Indian Country and especially the wildland fire community as we mourn ...
08/25/2026

Our hearts go out to the San Carlos Apache Tribe, Indian Country and especially the wildland fire community as we mourn the loss of Randy Lupe, a dedicated crewmember who served on the Frijoles Fire. His commitment and spirit will be remembered by the wildland firefighting family and beyond. 🪶

We are saddened to share the identity of the crewmember we lost on the Frijoles Fire in northern New Mexico on Sunday. Randy Lupe, 62, of the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona, died following a medical emergency.

Lupe was a U.S. Wildland Fire Service temporary emergency support crewmember on the San Carlos camp crew, which was supporting federal wildfire response on the Frijoles Fire.
Out of consideration for the family, the Interior Department is not releasing additional medical information at this time.

This loss is felt deeply across the wildland firefighting community, and our thoughts are with all those affected.

You can find the full press release at https://www.doi.gov/wildlandfireservice/identity-released-wildland-fire-support-crewmember-who-died-frijoles-fire-new.

In August, the BIA Timber Team traveled to the Lower Elwha Tribal Community and the Hoh Indian Tribe in Washington. Work...
08/18/2026

In August, the BIA Timber Team traveled to the Lower Elwha Tribal Community and the Hoh Indian Tribe in Washington. Working with the Puget Sound Agency, the team prepared timber sale areas by marking boundaries, creating streamside management zones, and measuring cruise plots to estimate sale volume.

After supporting Lower Elwha, the team headed west to help the Hoh Tribe with ongoing timber sales. They finished boundary painting, marked 59 acres using variable density thinning, and removed trees with low crown ratios and defects. One unit remains for completion in early 2027.

These collaborative efforts promote sustainable forestry and strengthen tribal partnerships. 🌲

08/17/2026

Request for Proposals 🌲

Sustainable Northwest and the Intertribal Timber Council are seeking a contractor to lead a five-year initiative building wood-products economies with Tribal communities — business planning, capital readiness, and financing for a new Wood and Biomass Hub.

📍 Portland, OR preferred; remote welcome
💰 $873,000.00 (Contractor work)
🗓️ Proposals due August 24, 2026

Details and submission info in bio.

08/14/2026

Today we honor the Navajo Code Talkers, whose unbreakable code, rooted in the Navajo language, helped secure victory in WWII and saved countless lives. In 1982 President Reagan proclaimed August 14 as Navajo Code Talkers Day. Their legacy is a powerful reminder of cultural strength and sacrifice. 🤍❤💛🖤

Take a moment to remember the Navajo Code Talkers, honor their service and celebrate these extraordinary heroes.

The BIA Timber Team recently traveled to Washington to support the Hoh Indian Tribe with timber sale preparation. Workin...
07/28/2026

The BIA Timber Team recently traveled to Washington to support the Hoh Indian Tribe with timber sale preparation. Working alongside Puget Sound Agency foresters, the team laid out harvest units, marked boundaries, and collected GPS data across more than 150 acres. They identified areas where harvesting trees will promote healthy forest regeneration and long-term forest health. The team will return later this year to continue timber marking and cruising as work on the project moves forward.

This work supports tribal sovereignty over their natural resources and aligns with the Trump administration's efforts to enhance forest management, reduce wildfire risks, and decrease reliance on imported timber while creating jobs, lowering constructions costs, and making the United States more self-reliant.

07/27/2026

The Bureau of Indian Affairs mission is to enhance the quality of life, promote economic opportunities, and to carry out the federal responsibilities entrusted to us to protect and improve the trust assets of American Indians and Alaska Natives. We accomplish this by directly empowering Tribal gover...

07/22/2026

Looking for your next opportunity?

Support Tribal self-governance as a Self Determination Officer with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service.

This position serves as the lead contracting authority for the award, administration, and oversight of Indian Self-Determination (P.L. 93-638) contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements, while providing technical guidance to support effective tribal self-governance program operations.

GS-13 | 1 Vacancy | Multiple Duty Stations
Apply by July 29, 2026
View the full announcement and apply through USAJOBS: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/876659000

07/22/2026
07/02/2026

Happy National Wildland Firefighter Day! Today we recognize their dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice.
🔥
Duty. Respect. Integrity.

Address

3833 S Development Avenue
Boise, ID
83705

Telephone

+12083875050

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