Interior Department, ITC strengthen wildland fire management collaboration WASHINGTON – The Department of the Interior announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Intertribal Timber Council on Sept. 15. As climate change propels larger, costlier and more complex wildfires, this agreement emphasizes the importance of collaborat- ing on wildland fire management across departmental and Tribal lands. Approximately 6.5 million acres of land managed by the Interior Department are in close proximity to Tribal land, sepa- rated by 50 miles or less. The proximity and interconnectedness of these lands necessitates close communication and col- laboration on wildland fire management. “By making smart investments in criti- cal infrastructure, wildland fire response and key partnerships, the Department of the Interior is helping lead the Biden-Harris administration’s response to the increas- ingly complex fire environment, includ- ing on Tribal lands,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “By strengthening our ties and improving collaboration with stakehold- ers like the Intertribal Timber Council, we will improve our efforts to more effectively reduce wildfire risk, rehabilitate burned landscapes, promote a better understanding of wildfire and support our firefighters.” The memorandum of understanding between Interior’s Office of Wildland Fire and ITC commits to undertake mutually beneficial actions and work collabora- tively to reduce wildland fire risk and miti- gate post-wildfire impacts. In particular, both organizations agree to: • • • • • Identify shared values Utilize information technology to improve decision making among partners Highlight common conservation priorities to combat the effects of climate change Coordinate on workforce development efforts Facilitate the exchange of perspectives and information to increase aware- ness, understanding, and engagement between the two organizations “There is no single entity across wild- land fire management that will be able to successfully manage the landscape before, during and after a wildfire without help,” said Cody Desautel, ITC president. “The Intertribal Timber Council looks forward to the continued effort to pursue and promote stewardship of our lands for the benefit of our communities.” The Biden-Harris administration is working with Congress on much- needed, longer-term support, benefits and work-life balance improvements for federal firefighters, as well as wildland fire preparedness. President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda would help better prepare commu- nities and ecosystems against the threat of wildland fire, including investments made by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The act contains $600 mil- lion for federal wildland firefighter salaries, expenses and the development of a distinct “wildland firefighter” classification series, as well as historic investments to restore and leverage nature-based infrastructure to protect communities and the environment. The department recently outlined updated wildland fire management goals, including supporting science and research into the effects of climate change on wildland fire, modernizing the firefighter workforce while creating good jobs and protecting the safety and long-term well- being of wildland firefighters and incident responders. The Interior Department is commit- ted to honoring and fulfilling its trust responsibilities to Tribal nations. This agreement represents yet another step toward the Biden-Harris administration’s priority of strengthening nation-to-nation relationships and promoting climate resil- iency across landscapes and communities. Learn more about the memorandum of understanding on the Office of Wild- land Fire partnership webpage at doi.gov/ wildlandfire/partnerships. 2022 Tribal Council Application Application for names to be placed on the 2022 ballot for candidates in the Siletz Tribal Council election Name: Roll# Address: City State ZIP Telephone: Email Address: I understand I must be an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians and 18 years of age or older on Election Day. This application must be filed with the Election Board by 4 p.m. on Dec. 3, 2021. I also under- stand that if for any reason I decide to withdraw my application for Siletz Tribal Council, I must withdraw in writing by 4 p.m. on Dec. 8, 2021. 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Please note: The general manager of the Siletz Tribe is the editor-in-chief of Siletz News. 4 p.m. 4 p.m. Editor-in-Chief: Mike Kennedy Editor: Diane Rodriquez Assistant: Andy Taylor If you would like your candidate’s statement and photo to appear in the Voter’s Pamphlet, please submit your statement and a recent 3x5 photograph of yourself along with your application. Deadline for statements and photos is 4 p.m. on Dec. 3, 2021. Candidate statements must be no longer than 750 words and must not be derogatory or contain personal attacks on any one individual. Statements and photos will appear in the Voter’s Pamphlet. Photos will be included on the ballot. Mail your statement and photo to CTSI Election Board, P.O. Box 549, Siletz, OR 97380-0549. The candidate is responsible for ensuring receipt of application and state- ment by the deadline. Letters will be sent to all candidates after review and certification by the Election Board. The Election Board will also send each certified candidate a packet that includes the Siletz Tribal Constitution, Election Ordinance and approved rules. Candidates can call 800-922-1399, ext. 1256, or 541-444-8256; or e-mail elections@ctsi.nsn.us to confirm receipt of application and candidate’s statement. October 2021 • Siletz News • 19