Release No. 0380.09
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USDA Office of Communications (202)720-4623
AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF THE KUIGGLUGMIUT TRIBAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT IN ALASKA
Joint Initiative to Promote Conservation Practices on Tribal Lands
BETHEL, Alaska, August 12, 2009 -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the formation of a new Tribal Conservation District. Located in Kwethluk, Alaska, the new Kuigglugmiut Tribal Conservation District (KTCD) will work with local landowners and the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to develop a land management plan based on the tribe's traditional conservation practices.
"I am honored to sign this agreement to form a new Tribal Conservation District which is important to the protection of local natural resources, economic stability, and the well-being of the Kwethluk Tribe," Visack said. "Building stronger relationships with tribes across the nation by establishing agreements like this will also help us to be better stewards of our natural resources."
With the signing of the agreement, the KTCD becomes the third tribal conservation district in Alaska and the thirty-third tribal conservation district recognized by USDA.
Nationally, NRCS provides conservation programs and technical services to American Indians, Alaska Natives and Tribal governments through 45 full-time and 30 part-time field offices on Indian lands and through numerous other field offices located off of Indian lands.
NRCS also works with the Intertribal Agricultural Council (IAC) and Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) to form government-to-government partnerships.
The Organized Village of Kwethluk is located 12 air miles east of Bethel, Alaska on the Kuskokwim River. Kwethluk has nearly 700 residents and a subsistence-based economy.
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