House Advances Amodei Bill to Increase Local Control of Nevada Public Lands
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) commended the House Natural Resources Committee’s unanimous passage Wednesday of his bill to allow public land to be held in trust for six different tribes throughout Nevada. H.R. 2733, the Nevada Native Nations Land Act, would greatly benefit the people of these regions by providing increased opportunities for economic development.
“Today’s vote puts us one step closer to placing Nevada public lands back into local control – rather than in the hands of Washington bureaucrats. My bill carefully balances the unique needs of our Nevada tribal nations with those of local ranchers, land owners and businesses. These lands will enable the tribes to chart brighter futures for their communities and preserve their cultural heritage and traditions. I’m pleased to see the Committee move this important piece of legislation and I look forward to the full House passing this bill as soon as possible.”
Fort McDermitt Paiute Shoshone Tribe: Would transfer approximately 19,094 acres of BLM land in Humboldt County to be held in trust to resolve checkerboard lands issues. This would help to address law enforcement and emergency personnel jurisdictional questions, as well as enable the tribe to plan for housing development. Nevada U.S. Senators Bible and Cannon introduced a similar bill in 1971, but the legislation was never re-introduced.
Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation: Would transfer approximately 82 acres of U.S. Forest Service (USFS) land in Elko County to be held in trust for housing and infrastructure to address the reservation housing shortage and to recruit doctors, nurses, law enforcement, conservation officers, and first responders.
Summit Lake Paiute Tribe: Would transfer approximately 941 acres of BLM land in Humboldt County to be held in trust for protection and management of Summit Lake’s natural resources and fish population and to unify the reservation around Summit Lake.
Reno-Sparks Indian Colony: Would transfer approximately 13,434 acres of BLM land in Washoe County to be held in trust for the creation of a safety buffer around the Hungry Valley community. The housing is surrounded by BLM lands to the north, west and east where multiple activities routinely occur, some permitted by the BLM and others prohibited, that illicit safety and quality of life concerns from residents. Such activities include off-roading, target shooting, illegal dumping, and unauthorized motorcycle racing. The lands also hold cultural significance and several of the landscape features are used for traditional religious practices and a source of medicinal plants.
Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe: Would transfer approximately 6,357 acres of BLM land in Washoe County to be held in trust to expand the reservation boundary to fully incorporate the watershed of Pyramid Lake. Other sections near the lake would be used for potential economic development and management efficiency.
Duckwater Shoshone Tribe: Would transfer approximately 31,269 acres of BLM land.
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