Bill Transfers 1,082 Acres of Federal Land to Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Adds to Reservation

This legislation directs the federal government to place approximately 1,082 acres of public land into trust for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, effectively adding this parcel to their existing reservation lands. The transfer, detailed in Section 2, bypasses standard valuation and appraisal requirements, streamlining the process. Its core purpose is land restoration for the Tribe.

A Homecoming for Tribal Lands

Making this land part of the reservation means it falls under tribal jurisdiction, though with a specific carve-out: Section 2 explicitly prohibits using this particular land for casino development under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The bill also mandates a survey to finalize the boundaries after enactment, allowing the Secretary of the Interior to make minor adjustments or correct mapping errors – a standard practice, but one worth noting.

Keeping the Elwha Wild and Rights Intact

The bill pays attention to the environment and existing rights. Section 2 ensures the stretch of the Elwha River flowing through this newly transferred land continues to be managed under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, incorporating modifications from the earlier Elwha River restoration efforts. Importantly, Section 3 clarifies that this land transfer doesn't alter any rights guaranteed under the 1855 Treaty of Point No Point. For people who previously used this federal land for recreation, access might change now that it's part of the reservation.