4.1
Federal Programs and Policies
The federal programs and policies are administered by various agencies of the federal
government. These tools authorize other federal, state, and local agencies to implement
regulatory measures and policies to protect the resources that are involved in land use
and military planning. The intent of these measures and policies includes the
preservation of the quality of life and general welfare of the public and the protection of
natural resources, including land, water, and airspace.
The following federal programs and policies are evaluated in the Pinal County JLUS to
assist in identifying tools to promote and enhance compatible land use planning. This list
is not an exhaustive accounting of all relevant federal laws or programs, but rather
identifies those resources considered most relevant for assessing compatibility issues and
the potential strategies stakeholders might employ to avoid or mitigate conflicts.
American Indian Religious Freedom Act
The American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) establishes the rights of Native
Americans to access sacred sites or sites of religious importance. A religious site may or
may not contain physical remains, objects, or other elements that indicate it is a religious
site. The Act defines a religious site as including, but not limited to, any geophysical or
geographical area or feature:
Sacred to Native American religion;
That is defined as sacred in Native American religion(s);
That is visited by Native American practitioners for gathering, harvesting, or
maintaining natural substances or natural products for use during ceremonies,
rituals, or spiritual purposes; and/or
That is used by Native American religious practitioners for ceremonies, rituals, or
other spiritual practices.
The AIRFA is relevant to the Pinal County JLUS Project Area because of the Native
American history in the region. There are both prehistoric and historic sites of cultural
significance to Native Americans that are located within the boundaries of Florence
Military Reservation and in the region surrounding it. The most recent Arizona Army
National Guard Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan for fiscal years 2012 to
2016 identifies several Native American tribes that are affected within the region where
Florence Military Reservation is located. These tribes include the Salt River
Pima‐Maricopa Indian Community, Gila River Indian Community, Ak‐Chin Indian
Community, and Tohono O’odham Nation.
Background Report
4-3