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Direct Budget Allocations
The allocation of annual budget funds to a land purchase program, similar to the practice of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation is an example of a direct budget allocation. Subject to neither Federal oversight nor partner review, such funding results in the greatest degree of autonomy. On the other hand, other financial tools such as bonding initiatives allow for the long-term financing of larger, more expansive projects

Bond Issues
A bond is a debt security in which the issuer borrows money from a bond holder and agrees to repay the principal and coupon rate (interest) at a later date. There is almost no limit on the different types of bonds available including fixed rate bonds, floating rate notes, inflation linked bonds and zero coupon bonds. Bonds allow issuers to finance long-term projects with funds from outside sources.

The partnership between the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians and the Nature Conservancy provides an example of how tax-exempt bonding can be used to fund a major land acquisition.

H.R. 3164, introduced on July 24, 2007

"Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the issuance of tax-exempt bonds by an Indian tribal government or subdivision if: (1) at least 95 percent of the net proceeds are used to finance facilities on an Indian reservation; or (2) the obligation is part of an issue substantially all of whose proceeds are to be used in the exercise of an essential government function. Excludes an obligation used to finance any part of a building in which class II or III gaming is conducted or housed or any other property actually used in the conduct of such gaming."

"Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to exempt obligations issued by an Indian tribal government or subdivision from registration requirements."

While similar bills have been introduced before and have failed to get out of committee, continued re-introduction is positive.

Direct Grant Programs
A direct grant program is any federal or state program authorized by statute and allocated by a government agency. While some discretion may remain at the tribal level, it is subject to statutory or regulatory provisions.

Examples of direct grant programs include

25 U.S.C. 2212, stating

"The Secretary may acquire, at the discretion of the Secretary and with the consent of the owner, or from an heir during probate in accordance with section 2206(p) of this title and at fair market value, any fractional interest in trust or restricted lands."

To this end, Congress has appropriated $145,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2010. 25 U.S.C. 2212(d). While the discretion to acquire an interest lies with the Secretary, individual Indians and tribes retain some control:

"At the request of any Indian who owns an undivided interest in a parcel of trust or restricted land, the Secretary shall convey an interest in such parcel acquired under this section to the Indian landowner on payment by the Indian landowner of the amount paid for the interest by the Secretary,..."

25 U.S.C. 2212(c)(1)(A)(i).

Non-profit/Private Partnerships
Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians & The Nature Conservancy

On October 1, 2003, the Nature Conservancy announced the largest private land conservation deal in Wisconsin history. The Nature Conservancy, which had negotiated the right to purchase 21,322 acres in the Chequamegon Bay watershed on Lake Superior from Plum Creek, transferred its purchase right to the Bad River Band. The Bad River Band subsequently purchased the acreage from Plum Creek for $4.5 million along with an additional 2,366 acres from the Nature Conservancy at cost. All acreage is now in tribal ownership and will benefit from long-term protection and management.

The Nature Conservancy's press release contains more information about their ongoing relationship with the Bad River Band as well as a map of the lands involved in the transaction and a fact sheet that includes information on the financing of the acquisition.

The Trust for Public Land

The Trust for Public Land (TPL) has protected over 2.5 million acres by working with "willing landowners, community groups, and national, state, and local agencies." One of the major funding sources for these conservation efforts has been ballot initiatives, over 330, worth nearly $25 billion, having been passed with TPL's assistance since 1994.

The Trust for Public Land operates a Tribal and Native Lands Program which was established

"to elevate partnerships with tribes to assist them in meeting their land conservation, natural resource restoration and cultural heritage objectives by getting land directly under tribal ownership and stewardship, or under public ownership where tribal values can be protected."

Highlights of recent projects include the development of conservation strategies, land acquisitions, and transfers of land into both tribal and public ownership.

Other Revenue Streams
Licensing fees

User fees