Over 1,000 Acres of Federal Land to be Restored to Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Bolstering Sovereignty

This bill, the "Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act," is straightforward: it directs the transfer of approximately 1,082.63 acres of federal land to be held in trust for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. This land, once transferred, officially becomes part of the Tribe's Reservation, as outlined in Section 2. Think of it as expanding their recognized homeland, giving them more direct control and management.

Ancestral Lands Returned, Management Clarified

The core of this legislation is the land itself. Section 2 specifies the acreage and references a map dated December 2021 for the exact parcels. A key practical point for the Tribe is that this transfer comes without the usual federal requirements for valuation, appraisal, or equalization. This essentially cuts through some bureaucratic red tape, making the process smoother for the Tribe to regain these lands. It's about restoring what was once theirs and enabling them to manage it more effectively as part of their Reservation.

Balancing Use: Environmental Protection and Economic Lines

While the land returns to the Tribe, there are a couple of important conditions. A portion of the Elwha River running through this newly acquired land will continue to be managed under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, with some modifications already established by the Elwha River Ecosystem and Fisheries Restoration Act (Section 2). This means that while the Tribe gains stewardship, the environmental protections for this vital waterway remain in place, ensuring its ecological health is prioritized. It's a nod to the river's significance beyond just property lines.

Furthermore, Section 2 also explicitly states that this land cannot be used for gaming purposes under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. So, no casinos on this particular parcel. This sets clear expectations for land use from the get-go. The Secretary of the Interior is also tasked with surveying the land's boundaries, which is a practical step to ensure everyone knows exactly where the lines are drawn.

Treaty Rights Upheld

Importantly, Section 3 of the Act makes it clear that nothing in this land transfer impacts the existing treaty rights of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. Specifically, it references the Treaty concluded at Point no Point on January 26, 1855. This is a crucial reassurance, ensuring that this positive step of land restoration doesn't inadvertently undermine long-standing agreements and rights the Tribe holds. It's about adding to their land base, not altering their fundamental rights.