The estimated total value of the patented grazing lands in this area (tracts 22-36) is $17,200. Within the proposed Malott grazing unit, there is contained a total of 9,704 acres of tribal and trust grazing land, in addition to the patented lands proposed for purchase. The total estimated carrying capacity of the entire unit is as follows: 22 640 12 320 23 160 18 54 629 18 209 25 1, 146 20 500 652 25 26 200 400 12 Assuming that this area would be grazed for a period of 5 months, half of this period in the spring and half in the fall, the estimated total carrying capacity for this period is for 6,240 divided by 5 equals 1,248 head of cattle. Thus, the winter carrying capacity of the home ranches (estimated at 1,160 head) will be balanced with this spring and fall grazing unit and summer range will be provided on the Coyote Creek unit. Tract (c) Scattered tracts for stock water and trespass control Owner Total Dry-farmed Grazing Estimated value of improve ments The estimated total value of tracts 37 to 42, inclusive, included under (c) is $2,650. The location of the tracts comprising groups (b), (c), and (d) are shown on the accompanying map, exhibit No. 2. B. Nesepelem district In this district a large portion of the more productive lands are now in Indian ownership. Also, many of the white owners of the more desirable farms do not wish to sell. For these reasons, a smaller percentage of the land-purchase fund is proposed for expenditure in this district as the money can be more advantageously spent and the land need is more urgent in the Monse-Disautel and the Inchelium districts. The tracts proposed for purchase include: (a) Improved farms. (b) Grazing lands to provide stock water and trespass control. The estimated value of tracts Nos. 43 to 52, inclusive, comprising group (a) and including the estimated timber value is $21,100. The estimated value of tracts Nos. 53-61, inclusive, comprising group (b) and including the timber value is $6,650. The purchases proposed for the Nespelem district total as follows: The timber estimates shown under groups B (a) and B (b) were obtained from the CCC reconnaissance timber cruise and are subject to correction by the Forestry Division. The locations of the tracts comprising these groups are shown on the index map accompanying this report. C. Inchelium district As may be observed from the accompanying index map-Exhibit No. 2-this district is well provided with tribal range lands in close proximity to the farms. The Indians' need in this area is for agricultural lands for hay production. This is especially true since the snowfall is greater in this part of the reservation and a larger quantity of hay is required to carry the cattle over the winter. The average amount of hay fed to cattle in this district during the winter season is 2.0 tons. The following tracts are recommended for purchase in this area, all containing agricultural lands and being producing properties. (a) Farms recommended for purchase—Inchelium district The total estimated valuation of tracts Nos. 62 to 72, inclusive, listed above under C (a) is $32,900. In all probability it may not be possible to purchase some of the above tracts at the appraised valuation. In this case, the following are submitted as alternate selections: (a) Monse-Disautel district-Alternate tracts (b) Nespelem District-Alternate tracts No alternate selections for this district are recommended at this time. Unless additional tracts are found that are desirable it is proposed that any funds which cannot be used to carry out the program outlined be used in the Inchelium district where many alternate selections have been proposed. MY DEAR MR. BALSAM: Reference is made to the resolution adopted by the Colville Business Council on January 13, requesting that 25 percent of the annual income of the Colville Indian Tribe be appropriated and used for the purchase of land for tribal purposes. At the request of the Colville Indians, an appropriation of $100,000 of tribal funds was included in the Third Deficiency Appropriation Act, fiscal year 1939. These funds will enable the purchase of approximately 20,000 acres, whereas the estimated needs of this tribe are in the neighborhood of 90,000 acres. A yearly appropriation of one-fourth of the tribal income will be a definite step toward supplying the land needs of these Indians. In considering the most feasible procedure to be followed in obtaining the necessary authority to carry out the desire of the business council, it is not believed that special legislation should be requested, but that each year when the amount to be expended is known, an item can be inserted in the yearly appropriation bill. In view of the present appropriation of $100,000 for the purchase of land, it is not believed that the tribe intended that additional funds were to be requested for the next fiscal year. Sincerely yours, JOHN HERRICK, Assistant to the Commissioner. |