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Show PART IV MEANS FOR MEETING NEEDS In addition to the specialized watershed treatment program, water- shed management is given prime consideration in the use of all resources, for example: Range livestock carrying capacities are based in part on the amount of forage and ground cover necessary to maintain optimum water- shed conditions; Hydro-mulching of cut and fill slopes during road con- struction is carried out to reduce the high sediment yields from these disturbed areas; Erosion control and site restoration activities on timber sales involve careful planning and execution of the many soil stabilization practices required on every timber sale. These are only a few of the many watershed considerations woven into the multiple use management of natural resources on National Forests. Bureau of Indian Affairs All resource planning is developed in conjunction with the Indian tribe concerned and individual Indian owner where allotted lands are involved. Tribal governing organizations generally participate finan- cially in conservation programs to the extent that circumstances permit. This may be accomplished by providing cost-sharing funds required for their participation in federal programs, implementing tribal public work projects, conducting tribally financed resource programs, and funding a limited number of positions in on-going government programs. The Bureau of Indian Affairs cooperates fully with soil conservation districts and recommends the inclusion of Indian lands in the formation of new districts, and encourages the enlargement of established districts to include Indian lands. Indian soil and moisture conservation associations may be formed on reservations to assist the Indian people to participate in natural resource conservation programs. Equipment procured with Bureau of Indian Affairs funds may be granted or loaned to such organizations who in turn can utilize it in the application of conservation practices to the land. The main function of the Bureau of Indian Affairs with respect to watershed management programs is to act as trustees for land held in trust by the United States Government and to assist the owners in making the most effective use of these lands and associated resources. This entails the primary duty of providing technical services in matters of resource management. These services include programs for protection of the land against erosion and soil deterioration, the restoration of eroded and depleted areas, the improvement of production with respect to cropland, forest, pasture and range, and the retention of water for farm, ranch and recreational purposes. A multi-purpose land management use of resources is encouraged to provide for maximum beneficial return from the land. 70 |