Tuesday, Dec 27 2011 10:52AM

The U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently released a revision to its agreement with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) and the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO), which governs historic preservation.

According to BLM, the revised agreement encourages officials to consult with Native American tribes in order to effectively consider the impact land management decisions regarding historic preservation have on them. This agreement is particularly concerned with the disposition of historic sites with traditional religious and cultural significance to tribes, as well as the effect on natural resources relevant to tribes.

While tribal lands are not themselves covered under the agreement, the revisions do pertain to federal, state and private lands. As a result, it may affect various Native American programs and citizens.

"The BLM’s stewardship of the public lands includes respecting our unique relationship with Tribes and carefully considering their views and concerns through consultation," said BLM director Bob Abbey. "This [programmatic agreement] implements those principles as the BLM examines proposals for activities on public lands, knowing that future generations will appreciate our efforts to preserve treasured resources on public lands."

Among the specific changes is the assignment of the BLM national tribal coordinator to the BLM Preservation Board. Tribal consultation and public comment will also be required for any revisions of protocol by the BLM and State Historic Preservation Officers.

For further reference, check out this source: U.S. Bureau of Land Management