The Acquisition of Easements over Native American Lands For Transportation Project

Publication No: FHWA-HEP-07-019

March 19, 2007

Table of Contents

• Executive Summary

• I. Introduction and Project Overview
• 1. Research Problem
  2. Project Scope and Objectives
     
     
• II. Background
• 1. Legal Relationship between Tribes, States, and the Federal Government
  2. Brief overview of the process for acquiring easements over Native American lands
     
     
• III. Investigative Questions
• 1. Acquisition Foundation
  2. Operational Considerations
  3. Stakeholder Perceptions
     
     
• IV. Research Approach and Methodology
• 1. Web-Based Literature Search
  2. Stakeholder Review of Survey and Interview Questionnaires
  3. Web-based Survey of FHWA Division Realty Officers
  4. Follow-up Telephone Interviews with Division Realty Officers
  5. Field Interviews of Tribal Officials and State, BIA, and FLH Representatives
  6. Analysis of State – Tribal Agreements
     
     
• V. Summary of Key Findings
• 1. Best Management Practices
  2. Issues and Opportunities
     
     
• VI. Mapping of Options to Address Issues and Opportunities Identified by the Research Team