URL: https://www.indianz.com/News/archives/001831.asp

Monday, October 6, 2003

The Bush administration has dropped plan to create working groups to address fractionation of Indian lands and an overhaul of trust practices.

According to two Federal Register notices published today, the Working Group on Land Consolidation Program and the Working Group on the "As-Is"' "To-Be"' Process and Trust Improvement Efforts will not be convened. The notices state that the Department of Interior is already "soliciting input from tribes" on these issues.

But according to the Office of Special Trustee, there was little interest from Indian Country in the groups. Special Trustee Ross Swimmer had asked for nominations in April but received few leads.

Swimmer is still finalizing his advisory board, according to OST. He expects to make an announcement when all the positions are filled.

Federal Register Notices:
Land Consolidation Working Group | As-Is/To-Be Working Group

Relevant Links:
Trust Fix - http://www.trustfix.com
Indian Trust: Cobell v. Norton - http://www.indiantrust.com
Office of Special Trustee - http://www.ost.doi.gov

Related Stories:
Consolidation plan advances at Interior (9/16)
Swimmer weighs consolidation of appraisals (8/15)
Swimmer partly right on trust fund rider (7/14)
NCAI's Hall stands by trust reform testimony (5/28)
Swimmer: Don't fear changes at Interior (5/22)
On trust, Swimmer turns to private sector (5/14)
Reorganization: Meet the 'new' BIA (04/30)
DOI begins second transition period on Indian affairs (04/29)

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