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The Southern Ute Indian Tribe recognizing the cultural, economic 

 and recreational values of fish and wildlife resources created by 

 tribal resolution in 1962, the Fish and Game Department. Since its 

 inception, the Wildlife Conservation Department has gone through 

 progressive changes. Antiquated wildlife codes and regulations 

 were revised in 1969, 1976, 1985 and 1989. A cooperative agreement 

 between the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the Tribe was 

 established in 1972. In 1988, a proposal was initiated that 

 outlined a logical approach to the development of professional 

 tribal expertise and capabilities in managing tribal fish and 

 wildlife resources. This proposal became reality in 1989 with the 

 hiring of a tribal wildlife biologist. This proposal was further 

 strengthen by the development of a Tribal Natural Resources 

 Management Plan in 1990. The plan integrated the developed fish 

 and wildlife goals and objectives into a comprehensive Multi- 

 resources plan. 



Although in the infancy stage of development, this program is the 

 building foundation for the development of tribal expertise and 

 capabilities in managing our fish and wildlife resources. The 

 importance of natural resources to the tribe is exemplified by the 

 dedication and commitment to the development of sound biological 

 management programs to insure fish and wildlife resources can be 

 enjoyed by future generations. 



The tribe's Wildlife Conservation Department has nine employees, a 

 Department Director, Program Assistant, Wildlife Biologist, 

 Wildlife Technician, and 5 Wildlife conservation officers. The 

 tribe actively participates with the scientific wildlife community 

 and is currently members of the Native American Fish and Wildlife 

 Society, Inter-tribal Bison Cooperative, Wildlife Society, San Juan 

 Interstate Working Group, Mule deer Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk 

 Foundation and other organizations involved in the conservation and 

 management of the fish and wildlife resources. The enforcement 

 section of the department is given the enormous task of patrolling 

 860 miles of tribal boundaries enforcing the Tribal Wildlife 

 Conservation code. 



Revenues to fund the department is derived from the sale of hunting 

 and fishing permits to Non-member sportsmen. Hunting permits are 

 sold for mule deer, elk and mountain lion and produce about 

 $125,000 annually. Revenues generated by the sale of permits are 

 deposited into the Tribal general fund which are then reallocated 

 to fund not only the department, but other tribal programs as well. 

 We have spent an average of $284,954 annually since 1986 and in 

 1993, $398,855 was allocated to the department. While the tribe 

 has sought alternative funding from the state of Colorado and 

 private organizations, little is available. We receive no federal 

 funding from the Bureau of Indian Affairs even though a P.L. 93-638 

 grant proposal was submitted in 1989. The BIA Southern Ute Agency 

 does not employ a Wildlife or Fishery biologist. Fortunately 

 though, we have been able to receive limited technical assistance 

 from the BIA Albuquerque Area Office Wildlife and Fishery 

 Biologists. However, they are also responsible for coordinating 



