Bill Tripp from the Karuk Tribe testifies in support of H.R.3444, the Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act, on June 10, 2025.

Tripp serves as Director of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy for the Karuk Tribe Department of Natural Resources in California. He said the federal government needs to do more to recognize tribal sovereignty over public forest lands.

“I know there is great interest on both sides of the aisle in working to overcome some of the adversity tribes have faced in our tribal homelands for generations, while we enable proactive stewardship, restore sense of purpose in our tribal communities, and protect homes, lives and the environment from catastrophic wildfire,” Tripp told the House Subcommittee on Federal Lands at a hearing in Washington, D.C.

H.R.3444 authorizes the Department of Agriculture to enter into co-management agreements with tribes. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Jared Huffman (D-California).

Legislative Hearing on H.R.1045, H.R.1655, H.R.3187 & H.R.3444 (June 10, 2025)