Natural Resources Conservation

Livestock and Grazing

Origins: Unless otherwise noted, the laws contained in this Title were adopted by the Pueblo of Acoma Tribal Council as part of the 1985 Law and Order Code. Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003 supplied section headings in brackets.

Annotation: Tribal Council specifically authorized the Acoma Ranger Program to enforce this Title pursuant to Tribal Council Resolution No. TC-OCT-11-01-3. This Resolution did not remove enforcement powers from the Acoma Police Department. Therefore where the title reference “person allowed to enforce this Title”. It means both Acoma Ranger Program and Acoma Police referenced, in the Title. Acoma Ranger Program is inserted to comply with the intent of Tribal Council Resolution No. TC-OCT-11-01-3.

Purpose
The regulations set forth within the Acoma Livestock ad Grazing Title are prescribed to:
    A. Govern the branding, theft, disease, at large estray, inspection, transportation and related aspects of domestic livestock within the exterior boundaries of the Acoma Pueblo.
    B. Preserve tribal resources, promote proper use of Acoma range lands, and afford equal utilization rights of all lands within the exterior boundaries of the Acoma Pueblo.
    C. Preserve public health, safety and welfare of the Acoma people and their livestock.
    D. Prescribe punishment for violation of any section of the legislation.
    E. Fulfill the objectives set for in 25 CFR, Section 166.

Animal Control

Origins: Unless otherwise noted, this Pueblo of Acoma Tribal Council adopted this Title as a part of the 1985 Law and Order Code. The Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003 supplied headings for each section in brackets.

Purpose
An ordinance regulating the vaccination, impoundment, registration, and disposal of unvaccinated, unregistered, unclaimed, diseased, at large, stray, or wild animals on lands within the exterior boundaries of the Acoma Pueblo Indian reservation to preserve public health, safety, and welfare by prevention of nuisances, hazards, and injuries resulting from or caused by such animals.

Plan of Operation

I. ESTABLISHMENT

The Natural Resources Conservation Law Enforcement Department is established by the Acoma Tribal Council within the Pueblo of Acoma Tribal Government.

II. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the Natural Resources Conservation Law Enforcement Department is to protect and preserve the natural and cultural resources within the Pueblo of Acoma’s territorial jurisdiction in accordance with the mandated Pueblo of Acoma and Federal laws rules and regulations.

III. STAFFING AND ORGANIZATION

The Natural Resources Conservation Law Enforcement Department shall be staffed with a Commissioned Conservation Certified Officers, and such other positions that are deemed necessary and is approved by the Pueblo of Acoma Tribal Council. Shall also be the Coordinator and liaison between the Department, and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies. All personnel, including the Conservation Lieutenant (Coordinator), shall be hired and managed pursuant to the provisions and guidelines of the Office of Human Resources and the Pueblo of Acoma Personnel Policies and Procedures.

The Conservation Officers shall, after successful completion of a certified law enforcement training course, be commissioned by the Governor of Pueblo of Acoma Tribe, with the authority to cite, make arrest, search and seizure of property in connection with the enforcement of mandated laws and regulations promulgated by the Pueblo of Acoma Tribal Council and the Federal Government as Peace Officer, define pursuant to Title 1 Preliminary Matters: 1-2-3. (A and B), Criminal Jurisdiction Tribal Officers- Source of Authority of the Pueblo of Acoma Code.

The Natural Resources Conservation Law Enforcement Department shall consist of Administration Office and such other programs as deemed necessary to accomplish the purpose of this Plan of Operation.

IV. AUTHORITY, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Conservation Sergeant of Natural Resources Conservation Law Enforcement    Department is hereby authorized and directed to:

    1.) The Acoma Tribal Council approves the authority of the Pueblo of Acoma Governor to commission the NRCLED Conservation Officers to exercise control and authority over all natural resources law enforcement services, including, but not limited to enforcement of Title 7- Game and Wildlife Code, Title 9- Livestock and Grazing Code, Title 10-Traffic Code, and Title 5 and 6- Criminal Procedure and Code.

    2.) Formulate overall administrative and operation policies and procedures pertaining to the Natural Resources Conservation Law Enforcement Department and take such actions as are deemed necessary for the accomplishment of the department goals and objectives.

    3.) Plan and execute enforcement of federal and Pueblo of Acoma laws enacted to protect and all Pueblo of Acoma-owned, controlled, or claimed, natural, renewable, non-renewable, cultural, leisure and recreational resources, which include, but not necessarily limited to, land, airspace, water, minerals, wildlife, fish forests, woodland, archaeological, paleontological, livestock, environmental, vegetation and parks.

    4.) Seek other sources of outside funding and technical assistance, for training, vehicle, equipments, and office building to enhance the Natural Resources Conservation Law Enforcement Department.

    5.) Coordinate with other Departments in the development of laws and regulations to ensure the Pueblo of Acoma natural and cultural resources are protected and preserved.

    6.) Coordinate with other Departments of the Pueblo of Acoma in the enforcement of laws to ensure that management goals and objectives for natural and cultural resources are attained.

    7.) Represent the Natural Resources Conservation Law Enforcement at executive level planning

    8.) Conduct such special projects and programs as may be assigned, including search and rescue activities, as well as to organized and operate as Emergency Response Team.

    9.) Prepare plans and annual budget for the Natural Resources Conservation Law Enforcement Department, conduct periodic review thereof, and participate in overall department, program or section and budget review.

    10.) Cooperate, communicate and coordinate with all law enforcement agencies, including Tribal, County, State and Federal agencies, to ensure the effective natural and cultural resources law enforcement on the Pueblo of Acoma Tribe, within the area of responsibilities and authority.

    11.) Coordinate all natural resources law enforcement effort with the Pueblo of Acoma Administrations and/ or Tribe.

    12.) Provide public education and information, including effective community relations programs concerning natural resource protection, preservation and law enforcement and crime prevention.

    13.) Develop a comprehensive Natural Resources Conservation Law Enforcement Qualification, Selection and Training Standard; implement to maintain current law enforcement commissioned and improve the professionalism of Natural Resources Conservation Law Enforcement Department personnell.