BIA backs land-into-trust applications for casinos in California

Monday, December 3, 2012  

The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved two land-into-trust applications for two off-reservation casinos in California.

The BIA agreed to place about 40 acres in trust for the Enterprise Rancheria. The site is about 32 miles from tribal headquarters.

The BIA also agreed to place about 305 acres in trust for the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians. The site is about 38 miles from the reservation.

Both tribes are still awaiting approval of their Class III gaming compacts by the California Legislature. The agreements will then be submitted to the BIA for review.

Both tribes followed the two-part determination section of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The BIA, and then Gov. Jerry Brown (D), approved the casinos, a first in California.

Get the Story:
Feds approve land for Yuba County casino (The Marysville Appeal-Democrat 12/1)
North Fork tribe gets Madera land set aside for casino (The Fresno Bee 12/1)

Federal Register Notices:
Land Acquisitions; Enterprise Rancheria of Maidu Indians of California (December 3, 2012)
Land Acquisitions; North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California (December 3, 2012)

California tribes await state action on off-reservation casinos (11/05)