Tribal Burn Permit Programs on the Nez Perce and Umatilla Indian Reservations
The information on this page applies only on the Nez Perce and Umatilla Reservations. The Nez Perce Tribe and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation administer their own burn permit programs as part of a delegation agreement with the EPA.
For more information, visit Open Burning on Indian Reservations in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
- Open burning permits
- Agricultural burning permits
- Forestry and silvicultural burning permits
- Why is it important to control these types of burning?
- Contacts
Open Burning Permits
You must get a permit issued by the tribe for open burning on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation and the Umatilla Indian Reservation (except for cultural and traditional open burning, which is allowed without a permit).
What is open burning?
Open burning means smoke, gases, chemicals, and other products from burning enter the air directly, without first going through a chimney, flue, vent, or other similar path (for example, a burn barrel or outside fire pit).
Application forms:
FARR rule authorizing open burning tribal permits:
Agricultural Burning Permits
You must get a permit issued by the tribe for agricultural burning on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation and the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
What is agricultural burning?
Agricultural burning is the burning of crops or other vegetation from agricultural activities. Agricultural burning includes, but is not limited to, windrow burning, ditch burning, stubble burning, and field sanitation. Agricultural burning may be performed to prevent disease, control pests, rotate crops, or for crop reproduction.
Application forms:
FARR rule authorizing agricultural burning tribal permits:
Forestry and Silvicultural Permits
You must get a permit issued by the tribe for forestry and silvicultural burning on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation and the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
What is forestry and silvicultural burning?
Forestry and silvicultural burning is the burning of vegetation that comes from the growing and harvesting of trees and timber. This type of burning includes slash burning, burning for reducing fire hazards, and burning for managing the forest environment. Burning may also be performed to prevent disease, to control pests, and for forest reproduction.
Application forms:
FARR rule authorizing forestry and silvicultural burning tribal permits:
Why is it Important to Control These Types of Burning?
Smoke releases microscopic particles into the air that can get into your eyes and respiratory system where they can cause health problems such as burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis. Fine particles can also aggravate asthma and chronic heart and lung diseases, and they are linked to premature deaths in people with these chronic conditions.
Contacts
Contact your tribe's air program for more information:
- Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation: Email the Office of Air Quality at oaq@ctuir.org.
- Nez Perce Indian Reservation: Visit Nez Perce Tribe Natural Resources Program or call 800-720-4089.