Left to Right: Gary O’Neill, USDA State Conservationist for Oklahoma; Butch Blazer, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment; Chief Gary Batton; Ryan McMullen, USDA State Director for Rural Development; and Assistant Chief Jack Austin, Jr.
Choctaw Nation Promise Zone Visit from Deputy Under Secretary Blazer
by Sara Jane Smallwood
Choctaw Nation
Choctaw Nation - USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment visited Choctaw Nation this fall. USDA is the lead department for the Choctaw Nation’s presidential Promise Zone designation, and this visit was an opportunity to connect further with the tribe’s federal partners.
Under Secretary Blazer is a member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, the former State Forester for the state of New Mexico, and former tribal council member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe. As one of the highest ranking American Indians serving in an appointed capacity at USDA, Under Secretary Blazer was eager to visit the first tribal Promise Zone.
The Promise Zone designation plays into every goal and activity of the Choctaw Nation. Under Secretary Blazer’s duties at USDA include working with the US Forest Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. During his time visiting Choctaw Nation he toured Winding Stair Ranch and the Ouachita National Forest to talk about past projects and goals for the future related to these two agencies and the Choctaw Nation.
Visiting Winding Stair Ranch was a great opportunity to see how Choctaw Nation has worked with NRCS and how that continued partnership will strengthen the Nation’s land. Conversations with the Choctaw Nation’s agriculture staff included how this new ranch will serve as a hub for the Nation’s agricultural production. Under Secretary Blazer was able to see first-hand how intensive planning efforts are underway to devise comprehensive agricultural, wildlife, and environmental plans. NRCS will continue to play a role as fields are returning to native grasses, and management strategies are being implemented.
The second day of Under Secretary Blazer’s visit included a visit to the Ouachita National Forest. He met with Choctaw Nation’s tourism staff to discuss tourists who visit the portion of the forest in the Choctaw Nation, especially during peak times in the spring and fall. This trip included a stop at a federal visitor center closed recently due to budget cuts, and how its closure impacts tourism in the Nation.
The visit served as an opportunity to highlight areas of need, past achievements, and potential for collaboration between the Choctaw Nation and the USDA. We look forward to continued investment and partnership with USDA in the Choctaw Nation’s land and natural resources.