Tribal Affairs
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is committed to working through consultation with California Native American Tribes, including both federally recognized and non-federally recognized Tribes, when developing regulations, rules, and policies that affect Tribal land, and cultural, and natural resources. We value two-way communication with California Native American Tribes − through consultation, enforcement and outreach − to promote pesticide safety across California.
Our Guiding Principles
We adopted these guiding principles and best practices to improve and maintain effective government-to-government relationships and consultation with Tribes to the extent legal and practicable.
DPR’s Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (In Development)
By January 1, 2026, in accordance with AB 652, DPR will establish and convene an Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (EJAC). The EJAC will provide recommendations to DPR on ways to integrate environmental justice considerations into DPR programs, policies, decision making, and activities, and how DPR can improve its engagement with communities with the most significant exposure to pesticides. DPR will continue to provide updates on the status of the EJAC.
DPR Tribal Consultation Policy
DPR seeks to improve communication and coordination between DPR, County Agricultural Commissioners, and California Native American Tribes. DPR’s Tribal Consultation Policy aims to ensure, improve, and maintain effective government-to-government relationships with Tribes on environmental matters that may affect their lands as well as cultural and natural resources.
California Native American Tribal Relations (CalEPA)
CalEPA seeks to improve relationships between its boards, departments, and offices (BDOs) as well as Native American Tribes.
Governor’s Office of Tribal Affairs
The Office of Tribal Affairs facilitates open and consistent communication between the Governor’s Administration and California’s Native American tribal governments.
U.S. EPA Region 9 Tribal Program
The EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region (Region 9) helps Tribes maintain a strong role in environmental programs that affect their land, air, and water.
Tribal Pesticide Program Council (TPPC)
TPPC consists of over 30 Tribes that develop policies and share dialogue about pesticides on the national stage.
Relevant Herbicide and Pesticide Monitoring Projects
Northwestern California Tribal Territories Herbicide Monitoring Project
In Northwest California, the tribal people have voiced concern over the use of reforestation herbicides on private forest lands, in addition to pesticide use in agricultural valleys that lie adjacent to tribal territories. Residents in these forest communities, who rely on plants, animals, water, and other natural resources, express concern about the presence of pesticide residues. The tribes, particularly the Yurok, Hupa, and Karuk, request that DPR and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Pesticide Programs monitor surface waters, plants, and other natural resources for herbicides and other pesticide residues from their uses in reforestation and agriculture practices in that region. Reports on monitoring results included below.
National Forest Herbicide Monitoring Project
When trees from national forests are removed (due to fires or logging), the U.S. Forest Service prepares the site and replants conifers. As part of this process, herbicides are used to control plants that compete with the conifers. In recent years, California tribal people who live and gather food, medicinal, ceremonial and basketry plant materials in or near these forests have voiced concerns about herbicide exposure. In response, the U.S. Forest Service funded studies by DPR to assess the potential exposure of plant gatherers and users to forestry herbicides. Resources included below.
General Administration of the Pesticide Use Enforcement Program
Volume 1, Chapter 1 of DPR’s Pesticide Use Enforcement Program Standards Compendium describes the authority, structure, and oversight of pesticide regulation in the state of California, including a section on pesticide use on tribal land.
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Email: TribalAffairs@cdpr.ca.gov
Phone: (916) 603-7706