USDA Forest Service Testifies on Land Exchange Bills Affecting Tribal Lands

The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs recently released testimony from John Crockett, deputy chief for state, private, and tribal forestry at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, regarding two significant land exchange bills affecting Tribal lands in Alaska and California. The bills aim to reconcile overlapping land interests, promote responsible stewardship, and foster the continued prosperity of communities dependent on these lands. The testimony highlighted the Forest Service's commitment to interagency and Tribal coordination, acknowledging the Tribes' deep cultural, historical, and ecological connection to the lands identified in these bills.

Key Takeaways:

• The USDA Forest Service manages 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands, including lands in proximity to Tribal lands.
• The Forest Service works closely with Tribal Nations through land stewardship, including forest management, wildfire mitigation, resource restoration, and cultural preservation efforts.
• The proposed H.R. 3903, "Chugach Alaska Land Exchange Oil Spill Recovery Act," would direct a land exchange between the federal government and Chugach Alaska Corporation, exchanging 231,036 acres of subsurface estate for 65,403 acres of fee simple land owned by the federal government.
• H.R. 3903 would also require the federal acquisition of approximately 100,000 acres of CAC subsurface estate that underlies non-federal surface estate.
• The Forest Service supports the intention of this bill, aiming to reconcile overlapping land interests and jurisdictional and conservation issues in the region.
• The proposed H.R. 3925, "Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Land Exchange Act," would authorize a land exchange between the federal government and the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, exchanging approximately 1,460 acres of land for 1,475 acres of National Forest System Land managed by the Forest Service.
• The land exchange must occur as soon as practicable within 120 days of the Secretary receiving the offer, contingent upon an agreement to preserve the historical and cultural integrity of the Arrowhead landmark site.
• The Forest Service is generally supportive of this bill, seeking to address concerns related to survey and appraisal requirements, mineral valuation, and project exemptions from environmental regulations.

Statistics:

• 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands managed by the USDA Forest Service.
• 231,036 acres of subsurface estate exchanged under H.R. 3903, Chugach Alaska Land Exchange Oil Spill Recovery Act.
• 65,403 acres of fee simple land exchanged under H.R. 3903.
• 100,000 acres of CAC subsurface estate to be acquired under H.R. 3903.
• 1,460 acres of land exchanged under H.R. 3925, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Land Exchange Act.
• 1,475 acres of National Forest System Land exchanged under H.R. 3925.
• 120 days for the land exchange to occur under H.R. 3925.

Sources:

• [1] "Hearing on H.R. 3903, Chugach Alaska Land Exchange Oil Spill Recovery Act," testimony of John Crockett, Deputy Chief, State, Private and Tribal Forestry, USDA Forest Service (September 9, 2025).
• [2] "Hearing on H.R. 3925, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Land Exchange Act," testimony of John Crockett, Deputy Chief, State, Private and Tribal Forestry, USDA Forest Service (September 9, 2025).
• Original text available at https://docs.house.gov/meetings/II/II24/20250909/118583/HHRG-119-II24-Wstate-CrockettJ-20250909.pdf