95-26686. Navajo Partitioned Land Grazing Regulations  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 211 (Wednesday, November 1, 1995)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 55506-55511]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-26686]
    
    
    
    =======================================================================
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
    
    Bureau of Indian Affairs
    
    25 CFR Part 161
    
    RIN 1076-AC81
    
    
    Navajo Partitioned Land Grazing Regulations
    
    AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior.
    
    ACTION: Proposed rule.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs proposes to add Part 161 to 25 
    CFR to govern the grazing of livestock on the Navajo Partitioned Land 
    (NPL) of the Navajo-Hopi Former Joint Use Area (FJUA) of the 1882 
    Executive Order reservation. The purpose of these regulations is to 
    conserve the rangelands of the NPL in order to maximize future use of 
    the land for grazing and other purposes.
    
    DATES: Comments on these proposed rules must be submitted by January 2, 
    1996.
    
    ADDRESSES: Send comments to Bureau of Indian Affairs, Division of Water 
    and Land Resources, Room 4559, 1849 C Street N.W., Washington, DC 
    20240, or telephone number (202) 208-4004.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Curley, (602) 871-5151, Ext. 
    5105, at the Navajo Area Office in Window Rock, Arizona.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As a result of the long-standing dispute 
    between the Hopi Tribe and the Navajo Nation over beneficial ownership 
    of the reservation created by the Executive Order of December 16, 1882, 
    Congress passed the Act of July 22, 1958, 72 Stat. 403, which permitted 
    the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe to sue each other in federal court 
    to resolve the issue. The Hopi Tribe initiated such a suit on August 1, 
    1958, in United States District Court for the District of Arizona in 
    Healing v. Jones, 174 F. Supp. 211 (D. Ariz. 1959), (Healing I). The 
    merits of the case were heard by a three judge panel of the United 
    States District Court for the District of Arizona in Healing v. Jones, 
    210 F. Supp. 125 (D. Ariz. 1962) aff'd 373 U.S. 758 (1963), (Healing 
    II) after the initial procedural challenges to the suit were dismissed 
    in Healing I. The district court determined that while the Hopi Tribe 
    had a right to the exclusive use and occupancy of a portion of the 1882 
    reservation known as District 6, it shared the remaining lands of the 
    1882 reservation in common with the Navajo Nation. Disputes between the 
    two tribes continued over the right to use and occupy the 1882 
    reservation in spite of the district court's decision in Healing II, 
    which was affirmed by the Supreme Court. In an attempt to resolve these 
    ongoing problems, Congress enacted the Navajo-Hopi Settlement Act, 25 
    U.S.C. 640d--640d-31, which provided for the partition of the Joint Use 
    Area of the 1882 reservation, excluding District 6, between the two 
    tribes. The Act was amended by the Navajo-Hopi Indian Relocation 
    Amendments Acts of 1980, 94 Stat. 929, due to the dissatisfaction 
    expressed by both tribes with the relocation process.
        The Relocation Act Amendments added subsection (c) to 25 U.S.C. 
    640d-18. It required the Secretary of the Interior to complete the 
    livestock reduction program contained in 25 U.S.C. 640d-18(a) within 18 
    months of its enactment. The new subsection also required that all 
    grazing control and range restoration activities be coordinated and 
    executed with the concurrence of the tribe to which the land had been 
    partitioned. In 1982, the U.S. District Court for the District of 
    Arizona determined in Hopi Tribe v. Watt, 530 F. Supp. 1217 (D. Ariz. 
    1982), that the grazing regulations contained in Part 153 of 25 CFR 
    were invalid with respect to the 1882 reservation partitioned to both 
    the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe. The court reached that conclusion 
    because the regulations did not provide for the concurrence of the 
    Navajo Nation or the Hopi Tribe as required by the Relocation Act 
    Amendments. The district court's ruling was upheld by the Ninth Circuit 
    Court of Appeals in Hopi Tribe v. Watt, 719 F. 2d 314 (9th Cir. 1983).
        As a result of the decision in Hopi Tribe v. Watt, Id., the Bureau 
    of Indian Affairs sought the written concurrence of the Navajo Nation 
    for the regulations which are herein published. The concurrence of the 
    Navajo Nation to these regulations was provided by the Resources 
    Committee of the Navajo Nation Council pursuant to resolution No. RCAP-
    079-92 of April 29, 1992. Non-substantive, editorial changes have been 
    made to the proposed regulations which were approved by the Navajo 
    Nation.
        These regulations are being issued to implement the Secretary of 
    the Interior's responsibilities mandated by the Navajo-Hopi Settlement 
    Act, as amended by the Relocation Act Amendments, and the previously 
    cited federal court decisions. In 1982 Part 152 of 25 CFR was 
    redesignated as Part 167 and Part 153 of 25 CFR was redesignated as 
    Part 168. All grazing permits issued for the Joint Use Area under the 
    old 25 CFR Part 152, some of which dated from 1940, were canceled 
    within one year pursuant to the Order of Compliance issued on October 
    14, 1972, by the U.S. District Court of the District of Arizona in 
    Hamilton v. MacDonald, Civ. 579-PCT. From 1973 through 1978 the Bureau 
    of Indian Affairs did not issue grazing permits for the Joint Use Area 
    because it was necessary to complete a census of the human and animal 
    populations of the Joint Use Area (JUA) in conjunction with a 
    calculation of the range's carrying capacity and stocking rates. 
    However, in late 1977 the Joint Use Area Administrative Office of the 
    Bureau of Indian Affairs at Flagstaff, Arizona, completed its inventory 
    and began issuing annual grazing permits to the residents of the JUA. 
    These interim permits were limited to one year by order of the federal 
    district court. Since the 1982 ruling in Hopi v. Watt, 530 F.2d 1217 
    (1983), declaring that the pre-1982 regulations were invalid, the 
    
    [[Page 55507]]
    Bureau of Indian Affairs has been subject to the provisions of the 
    Navajo-Hopi Settlement Act, as amended, which require the development 
    of new grazing regulations for the Navajo Partitioned Land with the 
    concurrence of the Navajo Nation. These regulations are the product of 
    that consultation.
        The grazing regulations in the proposed rules apply only to the 
    Navajo Partitioned Lands.
        It is the policy of the Department of the Interior to afford the 
    public an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking process whenever 
    feasible. Accordingly, interested parties may submit written comments, 
    suggestions or objections regarding these proposed rules to the office 
    identified in the ``ADDRESS'' section of the preamble. The primary 
    author of this document is Robert Curley, P. O. Box 1060, Gallup, New 
    Mexico 87305, telephone number 602/871-5151, Ext. 5106.
        The Department of the Interior has determined that these proposed 
    rules do not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting 
    the quality of the human environment. Thus, no detailed environmental 
    impact statement is required by the National Environmental Policy Act 
    of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4332 (1988).
        The information collection requirements contained in these rules do 
    not require the approval of the Office of Management and Budget under 
    44 U.S.C. 3501-3520.
    
    E.O. 12866 Statement
    
        This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12866.
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Act Statement
    
        This rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
    substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility 
    Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-612 (1988).
    
    Takings Implication Assessments (E.O. 12630)
    
        In accordance with E.O. 12630, the Department has determined that 
    these proposed rules do not have significant takings implications.
    
    List of Subjects in 25 CFR Part 161
    
        Grazing lands, Indian lands, Livestock.
    
        For reasons set forth in the preamble to this part, the Bureau of 
    Indian Affairs proposes to add part 161 to title 25, chapter I of the 
    Code of Federal Regulations as it appears below.
    
    25 CFR PART 161--NAVAJO PARTITIONED LAND GRAZING REGULATIONS
    
    Sec.
    161.01  Definitions.
    161.02  Authority.
    161.03  Purpose.
    161.04  Scope.
    161.05  How range units are established.
    161.06  Establishing and implementing Range Management Plans.
    161.07  How range improvements are treated.
    161.08  How carrying capacity and stocking rate are established.
    161.09  Restriction on grazing permits.
    161.10  Eligibility and priorities for issuing grazing permits.
    161.11  How grazing permits are allocated.
    161.12  Provisions required in all grazing permits.
    161.13  Procedures for issuing permits.
    161.14  Duration of grazing permits.
    161.15  Kind and classes of livestock that may be grazed.
    161.16  How grazing fees will be assessed and collected.
    161.17  How permits may be assigned, modified, or cancelled.
    161.18  Establishing and administering special land uses.
    161.19  Livestock trespass.
    161.20  Impoundment and disposal of trespassing livestock.
    161.21  Controlling livestock diseases and parasites.
    161.22  Procedures for Navajo Nation concurrence.
    161.23  How to appeal decisions on grazing permits.
    161.24  Information Collection.
    
        Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 25 U.S.C. 2, 640d--640d31.
    
    
    Sec. 161.01  Definitions.
    
        As used in this part, terms shall have the meanings set forth in 
    this section:
        Allocate means to apportion grazing privileges, including the 
    determination of who may graze livestock, the number and kind of 
    livestock, and the place such livestock shall be grazed.
        Animal unit (AU) means one adult cow with unweaned calf by her side 
    or equivalent thereof based on comparative forage consumption. Accepted 
    conversion factors are: Sheep and Goats--one ewe, doe, buck or ram 
    equals 0.20 AU; one sheep unit year long (SUYL) equals 0.20 Animal Unit 
    Year Long: Horses and Mules--one horse, mule, donkey or burro equals 
    1.25 AU.
        Animal Unit Month (AUM) means the amount of feed or forage required 
    by an animal unit for one month. The conversion factors under the 
    definition of animal unit apply. Thus, for sheep, one animal unit month 
    is the amount of feed or forage required by five sheep in one month.
        Area Director means the officer in charge of the Navajo Area Office 
    for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (or his/her designee or authorized 
    representative).
        BIA enumeration means the list of persons living on and 
    improvements located within the Former Joint Use Area obtained by 
    interviews conducted in 1974 and 1975 by the Project Officer's staff.
        Carrying capacity means the maximum stocking rate possible without 
    inducing a downward trend in forage production, forage quality, or 
    related resources.
        Class of animal means the age and/or sex of an animal. Example: 
    cow, calf; ewe, lamb; doe, kid; mare, colt; etc.
        Concurrence means agreement by the Area Director and the Navajo 
    Nation.
        Conservation practice means a method of management that seeks to 
    maintain and/or improve natural resources on a sustained yield basis.
        Former Joint Use Area (FJUA) means the area established by the 
    United States District Court for the District of Arizona in Healing v. 
    Jones, 210 F. Supp. 125 (1962), aff'd 373 U.S. 758 (1963), that is 
    inside the Executive Order area [Executive Order of December 16, 1882] 
    but outside Land Management District 6, and that was divided between 
    the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe by the Judgment of Partition 
    issued April 18, 1979, by the United States District Court for the 
    District of Arizona.
        Grazing Permit means a revocable privilege granted in writing and 
    limited to entering on and utilizing forage by domestic livestock on a 
    specified tract of land. The term as used in this part shall include 
    written authorizations issued to enable the crossing or trailing of 
    domestic livestock across specified tracts or range units.
        Hopi Partitioned Land or HPL means that portion of the Former Joint 
    Use Area which was partitioned to the Hopi Tribe.
        Immediate family member means any of the following:
        (1) The living spouse of a decedent who was a former permittee;
        (2) The children of the deceased if the spouse is not living; or
        (3) Siblings of the deceased if neither a spouse or children are 
    living.
        Livestock inventory means the original list developed by the 
    Project Officer in 1976-77 of livestock owned by persons with a grazing 
    permit or shared grazing permit, and having customary grazing use in 
    the Former Joint Use Area under 25 CFR part 167 (formerly part 152).
        Management unit means a subdivision of a range unit.
        Nation or Navajo Nation means the Resources Committee of the Navajo 
    
    
    [[Page 55508]]
    Nation Council, which has been delegated authority to exercise the 
    powers of the Navajo Nation with regard to the range development and 
    grazing management of the Navajo Partitioned Land.
        Navajo Partitioned Land or NPL means that portion of the Former 
    Joint Use Area which has been partitioned to the Navajo Nation.
        NPL Grazing Committee means the District Grazing Committee 
    established by the Navajo Nation that is responsible, in whole or in 
    part, for the NPL (affected areas).
        Nonconcurrence means disagreement between the Area Director and the 
    Navajo Nation.
        Project Officer means the Bureau of Indian Affairs official 
    (formerly the Special Project Officer of the Bureau of Indian Affairs 
    Administrative Office, Flagstaff, Arizona), to whom is delegated the 
    authority of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs to act in matters 
    regarding the Navajo Partitioned Land of the Former Joint Use Area.
        Range improvement means:
        (1) Any structure or excavation to facilitate management of the 
    range for livestock;
        (2) Any practice designed to improve the range condition or 
    facilitate more efficient utilization of the range; or
        (3) Any modification resulting in an increase in the grazing 
    capacity of the range.
        Range management plan means a plan developed for the beneficial use 
    of a range unit.
        Range unit or range allotment means an area designated for the use 
    of a prescribed number and kind of livestock under one plan of 
    management.
        Resident is a person who lives on the Navajo Partitioned Land full-
    time and previously utilized a customary use grazing permit under 25 
    CFR part 167 (formerly part 152).
        Secretary means the Secretary of Interior or his/her designated 
    representative.
        Settlement Act means the Act of December 22, 1974, 25 U.S.C. 640d--
    640d-31.
        Special land use means all land usage for purposes other than for 
    grazing or pasture lands, for which permits, leases, or assignments are 
    approved by the Area Director under Federal law, or by the Navajo 
    Nation under the Navajo Tribal Code.
        Special management area means an area for which a single management 
    plan is developed and applied in response to special management 
    objectives such as watersheds, fire hazard areas, or other similar 
    concerns.
        Stocking rate means the authorized number of Animal Units by range 
    unit. (``Carrying capacity'' as used in the Settlement Act denotes 
    stocking rate).
        Useable land area means accessible land within a designated 
    management area producing forage suitable for consumption by livestock.
    
    
    Sec. 161.02  Authority.
    
        It is within the general authority of the Secretary to protect 
    Indian trust lands against waste and to prescribe rules and regulations 
    under which these lands may be leased or permitted for grazing. Under 
    the Navajo-Hopi Settlement Act, as amended, 25 U.S.C. 640d-8 and 640d-
    18, the Secretary is authorized and directed to:
        (a) Adjust livestock grazing within the Former Joint Use Area to 
    carrying capacity;
        (b) Restore the grazing potential of the NPL to the maximum extent 
    feasible;
        (c) Survey, monument, and fence the partition boundary;
        (d) Protect the rights and property of individuals awaiting 
    relocation;
        (e) Administer conservation practices, including grazing control 
    and range restoration activities, on the Navajo Partition Lands.
    
    
    Sec. 161.03  Purpose.
    
        The regulations in this part are issued to implement the 
    Secretary's responsibilities mandated by the Settlement Act. In general 
    the regulations in this part are intended to aid in the preservation of 
    forage, soil, and water resources on the Navajo Partitioned Land, and 
    to aid in the recovery of those resources where they have deteriorated.
    
    
    Sec. 161.04  Scope.
    
        The grazing regulations in this part apply to the Navajo 
    Partitioned Land within the boundaries of the Navajo Reservation held 
    in trust by the United States for the Navajo Nation.
    
    
    Sec. 161.05  How range units are established.
    
        (a) The Area Director, in consultation with the NPL Grazing 
    Committee and the grazing permittees, and with the concurrence of the 
    Navajo Nation, shall establish or, where it has been determined that 
    modification will significantly improve the management of all areas, 
    modify range units on the Navajo Partitioned Land to provide unified 
    areas for which range management plans can be developed to improve and 
    maintain soil and forage resources. Physical land features, watersheds, 
    drainage patterns, vegetation, soil resident concentrations, problem 
    areas, historical land use patterns, and comprehensive land use 
    planning shall be considered in the determination of range unit 
    boundaries.
        (b) The Area Director may modify range unit boundaries to include 
    small and/or isolated portions of Navajo Partitioned Land with 
    contiguous Navajo tribal lands in order to develop more economical land 
    management areas. These modifications shall be made in consultation 
    with the affected NPL grazing permittees, the grazing permittees on 
    adjoining areas, the NPL Grazing Committee, and the Navajo Nation.
        (c) Permittees must obtain archaeological clearances before any 
    fencing or other land disturbance. Pursuant to Public Law 93-531, as 
    amended, no action taken pursuant to, in furtherance of, or as 
    authorized by the regulations in this part shall be deemed a major 
    Federal action for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 
    1969 as amended, 42 U.S.C. 4332.
    
    
    Sec. 161.06  Establishing and implementing Range Management Plans.
    
        (a) The Area Director shall confer with the Navajo Nation in 
    planning conservation practices for the Navajo Partitioned Land. The 
    Area Director shall develop range management plans in consultation with 
    the NPL Grazing Committee and the grazing permittees residing in each 
    range unit. After the Navajo Nation concurs with and the Area Director 
    approves the range management plan, the implementation of the plan may 
    begin immediately. The plan shall address, but shall not be limited to, 
    the following issues:
        (1) Goals for improving vegetative productivity;
        (2) Incentives for carrying out the goals;
        (3) Stocking rates;
        (4) Grazing schedules;
        (5) Wildlife management;
        (6) Needs assessment for range and livestock improvements;
        (7) Schedule for operation and maintenance of existing range 
    improvements and the opportunities for installing privately or 
    cooperatively funded projects;
        (8) Cooperation in the implementation of range studies;
        (9) Control of livestock diseases and parasites;
        (10) Fencing or other structures necessary to implement any of the 
    other provisions in the range management plan.
        (b) Range management plans and actions shall require consultation 
    with the affected grazing permittees.
        (c) All range management plans, actions and decisions shall be 
    submitted to the Navajo Nation for review and concurrence. 
    
    [[Page 55509]]
    
    
    
    Sec. 161.07  How range improvements are treated.
    
        Range improvements placed on the Navajo Partitioned Land shall be 
    considered affixed to the land unless specifically exempted in the 
    permit. No range improvement may be constructed or removed from Navajo 
    Partitioned Land without the written consent of the Area Director and 
    the Navajo Nation. All grazing permits shall state that the permittee 
    is responsible for maintenance of range improvements specifically 
    identified in the management plan.
    
    
    Sec. 161.08  How carrying capacity and stocking rate are established.
    
        (a) The Area Director, with the concurrence of the Navajo Nation, 
    must prescribe the carrying capacity of each range unit by determining:
        (1) The maximum number of each kind of livestock that can be grazed 
    on the unit without damage to vegetation or related resources; and
        (2) The season or seasons of use required to achieve the objectives 
    of the land recovery program required by the Settlement Act.
        (b) The stocking rate of each range or management unit shall be 
    established by the Area Director, with the concurrence of the Navajo 
    Nation, and shall be based on forage production, range utilization, the 
    application of land management practices, and range improvements in 
    place to achieve uniformity of grazing under sustained yield management 
    principles on each range or management unit.
        (c) The Area Director shall review the carrying capacity of the 
    grazing units on a continuing basis and adjust the stocking rate for 
    each range or management unit as conditions warrant.
        (d) Any change in the stocking rate allowed in the grazing permits 
    will be prorated on an equal percentage basis among the grazing 
    permittees on the range or management unit.
    
    
    Sec. 161.09  Restrictions on grazing permits.
    
        Grazing use on range units is authorized only by permits granted 
    under this part. A state brand only identifies the owner of the 
    livestock, but does not authorize the grazing of any livestock within 
    the NPL. Only a grazing permit issued pursuant to the regulations in 
    this part authorizes the grazing of livestock within the NPL. Grazing 
    permits shall be subject to the following restrictions:
        (a) Grazing permits shall not be issued or subdivided for less than 
    four animal units (20 sheep units);
        (b) A grazing permit shall be issued in the name of one individual 
    unless otherwise approved by the NPL Grazing Committee and the Area 
    Director;
        (c) Grazing permits shall be issued for use in one range unit only; 
    and
        (d) Grazing permits may contain additional conditions authorized by 
    Federal or Navajo Tribal laws.
    
    
    Sec. 161.10  Eligibility and priorities for issuing grazing permits.
    
        (a) Eligibility. Only those applicants who meet the following 
    criteria are eligible to receive permits to graze livestock:
        (1) Those who had valid grazing permits or shared grazing permits 
    under an extended family group agreement on Navajo Partitioned Land 
    under 25 CFR part 167 (formerly part 152) and whose permits were 
    cancelled on October 14, 1973;
        (2) Those who are listed in the 1974-1975 FJUA enumeration;
        (3) Those who are current residents on Navajo Partitioned Land; and
        (4) Those who do not presently hold a valid grazing permit in a 
    land management district within the Navajo Indian Reservation.
        (b) Priorities. Applicants who are eligible to receive a permit 
    under paragraph (a) of this section shall be assigned priorities based 
    on the following criteria:
        (1) First priority shall go to heads of households currently over 
    the age of 65.
        (2) Second priority shall go to heads of households under the age 
    of 65.
        (3) In each priority class, eligible applicants who had shared 
    grazing permits shall be equal to those who had their own grazing 
    permits.
    
    
    Sec. 161.11  How grazing permits are allocated.
    
        (a) Initial allocation of the number of Animal Units authorized in 
    each grazing permit shall be based on the number of Animal Units 
    previously authorized in prior grazing permits and the authorized 
    stocking rate on a given range unit.
        (b) Grazing permit allocations shall vary from range unit to range 
    unit depending on the stocking rate of each unit, the management plan, 
    and the number of eligible grazing permittees in the unit.
        (c) Any change in carrying capacity requiring adjustments to the 
    stocking rate shall be prorated on an equal percentage basis to 
    permittees on each range unit.
    
    
    Sec. 161.12  Provisions required in all grazing permits.
    
        (a) All grazing permits shall contain the following provisions:
        (1) The permittee agrees he/she will not use, cause, or allow to be 
    used any part of the permitted area for any unlawful conduct or 
    purpose.
        (2) The permit authorizes no privilege other than grazing use.
        (3) No person is allowed to hold a grazing permit in more than one 
    range unit of the Navajo Partitioned Land.
        (b) Any other special provision which, in the discretion of the 
    Area Director and with the concurrence of the Navajo Nation, is 
    necessary to protect the land and resource may be added to the permit.
    
    
    Sec. 161.13  Procedures for issuing permits.
    
        The Area Director shall issue grazing permits only to individuals 
    that meet the eligibility requirements of Sec. 161.10 (a). 
    Responsibilities for the initial issuance of grazing permits shall be 
    as follows:
        (a) The Area Director shall develop a complete list of all prior 
    permit holders, including shared permittees under an extended family 
    agreement, who had grazing permits cancelled on the NPL and HPL and who 
    now reside on the NPL. This list shall be provided to the NPL Grazing 
    Committee for its review. The Area Director shall also provide the NPL 
    Grazing Committee with his/her determination of the carrying capacity 
    and stocking rate for each range unit within the NPL.
        (b) Within 45 days of receipt, the NPL Grazing Committee shall 
    review the list of potential permittees provided by the Area Director 
    for a range unit, and, according to the eligibility and priority 
    criteria set forth in Sec. 161.10, and make recommendations to the 
    Navajo Nation for the granting of grazing permits on the range unit. 
    The Committee shall also make a recommendation for initial permit 
    allocation of animal units for each permit application.
        (c) If the NPL grazing committee fails to make its recommendation 
    to the Navajo Nation within 45 days after receiving the list of 
    potential permittees for a range unit and the determination of stocking 
    rate, then the Area Director shall submit his/her recommendations to 
    the Navajo Nation.
        (d) The Navajo Nation shall review and concur with the list of 
    proposed permit grantees, including the initial permit allocation of 
    animal units, and then forward a final list to the Area Director for 
    the issuance of grazing permits.
    
    
    Sec. 161.14  Duration of grazing permits.
    
        Each new grazing permit shall be valid until January 1 of the year 
    following its issuance. After its initial issuance, each grazing permit 
    is valid for one year beginning on January 1. All grazing permits that 
    are being used by 
    
    [[Page 55510]]
    permittees shall be automatically renewed annually until cancelled. If 
    a grazing permit is not used by the permittee for a one year period, 
    the Area Director may cancel the permit.
    
    
    Sec. 161.15  Kind and classes of livestock that may be grazed.
    
        Unless otherwise determined by the Area Director for conservation 
    purposes and specified in the grazing permit, the permittee may 
    determine the kind and class of livestock that may be grazed on range 
    units.
    
    
    Sec. 161.16  How grazing fees will be assessed and collected.
    
        If requested by the Navajo Nation, the Area Director shall assess 
    and collect grazing fees under the following procedures:
        (a) Fees are to be paid in advance, due and payable by January 1, 
    with a 30-day grace period thereafter;
        (b) Fees shall be collected by the Area Director and thereafter 
    transferred to the Navajo Nation to be set aside for range management 
    purposes in grazing management areas;
        (c) All grazing permittees who fail to pay the prescribed fees by 
    January 1, or within the 30-day grace period, shall be subject to a 
    reasonable late charge set by the Navajo Nation;
        (d) If payment is not received after 90 days the grazing permit 
    shall be subject to cancellation.
    
    
    Sec. 161.17  How permits may be assigned, modified, or cancelled.
    
        (a) Grazing permits may be assigned, sub-permitted or transferred 
    only as provided in this section. Permits may only be inherited or 
    assigned as a single permit, with the approval of the Navajo Nation and 
    the Area Director, to another immediate family member who has retained 
    full time residency on the NPL.
        (b) The Area Director shall notify the Navajo Nation before taking 
    any adverse actions. The Area Director may revoke or withdraw all or 
    any part of a grazing permit by cancellation or modification on 60 days 
    written notice to a grazing permittee of a violation of the permit or 
    special conditions affecting the land or the safety of the livestock 
    thereon, including, but not limited to, flood, disaster, drought, 
    contagious diseases; or for non-payment of grazing fees or violation of 
    these regulations; or violation of Federal or tribal laws. Except in 
    the case of extreme necessity, specified in the notice, cancellation or 
    modification shall be effective on the next anniversary date of the 
    grazing permit following the date of notice.
    
    
    Sec. 161.18  Establishing and administering special land uses.
    
        The Navajo Nation and the Area Director may establish special land 
    uses, including leases, withdrawals, and land assignments. If a special 
    land use is inconsistent with issued grazing permits or range 
    management plans, the special use will govern and will require the 
    amendment of the grazing permits and range management plans.
    
    
    Sec. 161.19  Livestock trespass.
    
        The owner of any livestock grazing in trespass on the Navajo 
    Partitioned Land is liable for a minimum civil penalty of one dollar 
    per head per day for each cow, bull, horse, mule, or donkey and twenty-
    five cents per day for each goat or sheep in trespass, together with 
    the replacement value of the forage consumed and a reasonable value for 
    damages to property injured or destroyed. The Area Director may collect 
    penalties and damages and seek injunctive relief when appropriate. All 
    payments for penalties and damages shall be credited to the Navajo 
    Nation's special deposit account. The following acts are prohibited:
        (a) Grazing or driving livestock across the Navajo Partitioned Land 
    without an approved grazing or crossing permit;
        (b) Allowing livestock to drift and graze on the NPL without an 
    approved permit;
        (c) Grazing livestock in an area closed to grazing for that class 
    of livestock;
        (d) Grazing livestock upon any land that the Area Director has 
    withdrawn from grazing use to protect it from damage, after notice of 
    the withdrawal is received; and
        (e) Grazing more in number or kinds of livestock than are 
    authorized by an appropriate grazing permit.
    
    
    Sec. 161.20  Impoundment and disposal of trespassing livestock.
    
        (a) The Area Director shall notify the NPL Grazing Committee of any 
    livestock trespass on the NPL.
        (b) After the NPL Grazing Committee has been notified or otherwise 
    becomes aware of the existence of the livestock trespass, a five day 
    period shall be allowed for the NPL Grazing Committee to resolve the 
    livestock trespass with the grazing permittee or livestock owner before 
    formal trespass action is taken.
        (c) If trespassing livestock within a range unit are not removed 
    within the periods prescribed in this section, the Area Director shall 
    impound and dispose of it as follows:
        (1) If the Area Director knows of the class of livestock and the 
    name and address of the owners, he/she may impound the livestock any 
    time five days after mailing by certified mail or having delivered to 
    the owners or their agent a Notice of Intent to Impound.
        (2) When the Area Director does not know of the number and class of 
    livestock or the name and address of the owner, he/she shall impound 
    the livestock anytime 15 days after the date of a General Notice of 
    Intent to Impound is:
        (i) Published in the local newspaper;
        (ii) Posted at the nearest chapter house or in one or more local 
    trading posts; and
        (iii) Announced in English and in Navajo by a local radio station.
        (3) The Area Director may impound trespassing livestock owned by a 
    person given notice under paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this section 
    without further notice within the six-month period immediately 
    following the effective date of the notice.
        (4) Following the impoundment of trespassing livestock, a Notice of 
    Sale of Impounded Livestock shall be published in a local newspaper, 
    posted at the nearest chapter, posted in one or more local trading 
    posts, and announced in English and in Navajo by a local radio station. 
    The notice shall describe the livestock and specify the date, time, and 
    place of sale. The date set shall be at least five days after the 
    publication, posting, and announcement of the notice.
        (5) The owner or his or her agent may redeem the livestock any time 
    before the time set for this sale by submitting proof of ownership and 
    paying for the expenses incurred in gathering, impounding, and feeding 
    or pasturing the livestock and any trespass fees and damages assessed 
    under Sec. 161.19 and/or other damages caused by the animal.
        (6) The Area Director shall return erroneously impounded livestock 
    to the residence of the rightful owner and shall waive all expenses.
        (7) Livestock not redeemed before the time fixed for their sale 
    shall be sold at a public sale or auction to the highest bidder, 
    provided the bid is at or above the minimum amount set by the Area 
    Director and the Navajo Nation.
        (8) The proceeds of any sale of impounded livestock shall be 
    applied in the following order:
        (i) Toward the payment of all expenses incurred by the Area 
    Director in gathering, impounding and feeding or pasturing the 
    livestock; and
        (ii) Toward the payment of any penalties or damages assessed 
    pursuant to Sec. 161.19.
        (9) Any proceeds remaining after payment of the two items in 
    paragraphs (c)(8) (i) and (ii) of this section and not claimed within 
    one year from the date 
    
    [[Page 55511]]
    of sale shall be credited to a special fund for the Navajo Partitioned 
    Land.
    
    
    Sec. 161.21  Controlling livestock disease and parasites.
    
        Whenever livestock are exposed to or become infected with 
    contagious or infectious diseases or parasites the owner must treat the 
    livestock and restrict their movement in accordance with applicable 
    laws.
    
    
    Sec. 161.22  Procedures for Navajo Nation concurrence.
    
        (a) Subject to the Secretary's authority and except where indicated 
    otherwise, the Navajo Nation has the right to consult with the Area 
    Director and concur in the establishment of range units, range 
    management plans, and special management areas.
        (b) For any action requiring the concurrence of the Navajo Nation, 
    the following procedures shall apply:
        (1) Unless a longer time is specified in a particular section of 
    the regulations in this part, or unless the Area Director grants an 
    extension of time, the Navajo Nation shall have 35 days to review and 
    concur with the proposed action.
        (2) If the Navajo Nation concurs in writing with all or part of the 
    Area Director's proposed action, then the action or a portion of it may 
    be immediately implemented.
        (3) If the Navajo Nation does not concur with all or part of the 
    proposed action within 35 days the Area Director shall submit to the 
    Navajo Nation a written declaration of non-concurrence. The Area 
    Director shall then notify the Navajo Nation in writing of a formal 
    hearing to be held not sooner than 30 days from the date of the non-
    concurrence declaration.
        (4) The formal hearing on non-concurrence will permit the 
    submission of written evidence and argument concerning the proposal. 
    The Area Director shall take minutes of the hearing. Following the 
    hearing, the Area Director may amend, alter, or otherwise change his/
    her proposed action. If, following a hearing, the Area Director alters 
    or amends portions of his/her proposed plan of action, he/she shall 
    submit the altered or amended portions of the plan to the Navajo Nation 
    for its concurrence.
        (5) If the Navajo Nation fails or refuses to give its concurrence 
    to the proposal at the hearing, the Area Director may implement the 
    proposal only after issuing a written order, based upon findings of 
    fact, that the proposed action is necessary to protect the land 
    pursuant to his/her responsibilities under the Settlement Act.
    
    
    Sec. 161.23  How to appeal decisions on grazing permits.
    
        Appeals of decisions issued under this part will be in accordance 
    with procedures in 25 CFR part 2.
    
    
    Sec. 161.24  Information collection.
    
        The information collection requirement(s) contained in the 
    regulations in this part do not require approval by the Office of 
    Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520.
    
        Editorial Note: This document was received at the Office of the 
    Federal Register on October 24, 1995.
    
        Dated: February 3, 1995.
    Ada E. Deer,
    Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.
    [FR Doc. 95-26686 Filed 10-31-95; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4310-02-P
    
    

Document Information

Published:
11/01/1995
Department:
Indian Affairs Bureau
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Proposed rule.
Document Number:
95-26686
Dates:
Comments on these proposed rules must be submitted by January 2, 1996.
Pages:
55506-55511 (6 pages)
RINs:
1076-AC81: Navajo Partitioned Lands Grazing Regulations
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/1076-AC81/navajo-partitioned-lands-grazing-regulations
PDF File:
95-26686.pdf
CFR: (25)
25 CFR 1.25
25 CFR 161.01
25 CFR 161.02
25 CFR 161.03
25 CFR 161.04
More ...