Don Young Doug LaMalfa Indian Buffalo Management Act

Overview

This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to help Tribal governments manage buffalo and buffalo habitat and reestablish buffalo populations on Indian land. It establishes grant and technical assistance programs, requires ongoing consultation with Tribes, and allows surplus federal buffalo to be transferred to Indian land.

Key Provisions

• Directs the Secretary of the Interior to work with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations to build their capacity to manage buffalo and buffalo habitat, protect buffalo populations, and promote economic and cultural uses of buffalo.
• Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants with Tribes and Tribal organizations for buffalo restoration, management, commercial activities, and mobile meat processing facilities.
• Requires the Secretary to provide technical assistance to Tribes carrying out buffalo programs and to consult with Tribes annually on Department initiatives affecting buffalo, including disease control efforts.
• Requires the Secretary to develop a buffalo management policy aligned with Tribal management plans and laws, and to protect culturally sensitive or confidential information shared by Tribes.
• Allows the Secretary to transfer surplus buffalo from federal land to Indian land through agreements with Tribes, including waiving associated fees.
• Clarifies that the Act does not alter existing treaty rights and that its authority expires 7 years after enactment.

Potential Impact

If enacted, the bill could expand Tribal-led buffalo restoration and management programs, support cultural and economic revitalization tied to buffalo, and formalize federal-Tribal cooperation on buffalo conservation, though its practical impact will depend on funding levels and implementation by the Department of the Interior.