Some groups are questioning a proposed management contract between 10 Alaska tribes and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility and the Blue Goose Alliance of New Mexico say the agreement could potentially set a bad precedent nationwide. They fear that tribes in the Lower 48 will take over national parks and wildlife refuges.

The Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments is seeking to contract several activities within the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge. The tribes have a right under the the indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.

In the states, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in Montana have been seeking a management contract for a refuge located entirely within reservation boundaries. Non-Indians and PEER have challenged the plan.

Get the Story:
Yukon Flats proposal has some wary (The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner 2/23)

Relevant Documents:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments, Reach Agreement (USFWS)

Relevant Links:
Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility - http://www.peer.org

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