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Intertribal Timber Council's Concerns Over EUDR Review

On May 11, 2026, the Intertribal Timber Council (ITC) voiced deep dissatisfaction with the recent review of the European Union's Regulation on Deforestation (EUDR) released by the European Commission. The ITC contends that the adjustments offered by the Commission do not adequately address the unique challenges faced by indigenous tribes managing their forests. This announcement has raised alarms among various tribal nations that believe the Commission has not sufficiently recognized the competence of tribal forest management systems.

The EUDR aims to combat deforestation, but the ITC asserts that it continues to impose disproportionate compliance burdens on tribal forestry practices. Despite previous discussions highlighting the potential negative impacts on indigenous communities, the European Commission opted not to revise the regulation significantly. Instead, the Commission proposed only minor technical adjustments and supplementary guidance, causing frustration among tribal leaders and stakeholders.

Cody Desautel, ITC's president and executive director of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, expressed the organization's grievance stating, "The European Commission treats indigenous forest systems as if they carry the same risks as those in high-deforestation areas. This is not only inaccurate but also dismissive of indigenous governance and sustainable management practices."

The ITC highlights that U.S. tribal nations administer around 7.8 million acres of forest land through sovereign governance structures supported by long-term management plans. These plans incorporate active restoration strategies, controlled burns, and sustainable harvesting practices, all aimed at protecting forest ecosystems for future generations.

While the ITC appreciates the EU's commitment to tackling global deforestation, the organization warns that the current framework of the EUDR is already disrupting supply chains for forest products from the United States—before its full implementation, set for December 2026. Tribally produced timber that will enter EU markets in 2026 is being harvested today, and producers report new compliance mandates arising from downstream contractual obligations and customer requirements.

Desautel further emphasizes the paradox that arises from the EUDR: "A law intended to safeguard forests is creating hurdles for indigenous peoples who have successfully managed those forests for generations."

In light of this situation, the ITC has urged the European Commission to acknowledge U.S. tribal forests as low-risk, legally protected systems. They request simplification of geolocation requirements for tribal operations deemed low-risk, the establishment of temporary compliance flexibility during the regulation's rollout, and a genuine commitment to government-to-government consultations with tribal nations before the final implementation.

Founded in 1976, the Intertribal Timber Council serves as a nonprofit coalition of Native American tribes, Alaskan Native corporations, and individuals dedicated to enhancing the stewardship of resources critical to indigenous communities. The ITC's ongoing advocacy efforts aim to secure recognition of indigenous rights and sovereignty within the context of environmental regulation and forest management.

The discourse surrounding the EUDR and its implications on indigenous forest stewardship reflects broader themes of environmental justice and the rights of native communities to manage their lands without undue constraint. As the assessment and implementation of the EUDR continue, the future of tribal forestry and global deforestation efforts hangs in the balance, necessitating a recalibrated approach that respects indigenous governance and practices.