At the present time we have about 5,000 acres of potential farm 

 land in the range units that are used for grazing. The income from these 

 lands is about $.50 per acre. These lands have the potential of leasing 

 for $7.00 to $9.00 per acre and the ability of growing corn, grain, hay, 

 and in some areas, potatoes. We can expect from $200 to $400 an acre of 

 gross income with good management and sprinkler irrigation systems. The 

 increased revenue to the Tribe could be substantial. For example, $.50 

 per acre to $7.00 per acre would be an increase on 5,000 acres of over 

 $30,000 per year. The cost of development of this land could run as high 

 as $200 per acre which would include irrigation systems, fencing, and weed 

 control, plowing and reseeding. 



These lands should come out of the range units and be advertised as 

 ten-year development leases. This could provide for expansion of Indian 

 operators farming and ranching businesses. Many of these land areas could 

 provide more pasture and feed than the entire range unit from which the land 

 had been removed. 



Most of these lands are located along the Flathead River from Dixon 

 to the Buffalo Bridge area. The areas to be developed are large enough to 

 justify the costs of development. With the increased demand for agricultural 

 products, the development of these lands could be quite rewarding. The 

 improving of these lands is expensive and will take ten years to fully 

 develop. Indian operators with the knowledge and good credit sources should 

 be encouraged to expand their operation in this manner. The improvement of 

 these lands could have the following benefits: 1) increased income to the 

 Tribes, 2) expansion of Tribal members farm and ranch enterprises, and 3) 

 weed control . 



(18) 



