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Amodei Bill to Strengthen Local Control of Public Lands Passes House, Heads to Senate

June 7, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Logan Ramsey, 202-225-6155

June 7, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02) today released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 2733, the Nevada Native Nations Land Act, his bill to allow public land to be held in trust for six different tribes throughout Nevada:

“I commend my colleagues in the House for joining me to pass this critical piece of legislation that will transfer more than 70,000 acres of Nevada public lands back into local control – empowering those who are best suited to make decisions surrounding economic development. By carefully balancing the unique needs of our Nevada tribal nations with those of local ranchers, land owners, public lands recreationalists and businesses, my bill will allow Nevadans to chart brighter futures for their communities while preserving their cultural heritage and traditions. I urge the Senate to take up this common-sense measure as soon as possible.”

Background:

H.R. 2733, the Nevada Native Nations Land Act, would allow public land to be held in trust for six different tribes throughout Nevada. Specifically, Congressman Amodei’s bill would allow Nevada’s tribes to address housing shortages, promote development of natural resources, support additional grazing and agricultural activities, promote renewable energy, preserve cultural resources and protect their communities against illegal shooting and activities.

This bipartisan piece of legislation is supported by the Nevada congressional delegation, Washoe County, the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, and multiple off-highway vehicle (OHV) organizations. As an OHV user and a strong voice for all motorcycle and ATV rights, Congressman Amodei is pleased to be able to work with local officials and the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony to ensure a north-south access route is available for OHV users in the Hungry Valley Recreation Area.

This bill requires the United States to hold in trust the following lands for the benefit of:

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 to preserve cultural resources and better manage natural resources in the Hungry Valley residential community, and to address public safety concerns. The housing is surrounded by BLM lands to the north, west and east where multiple activities routinely occur, such as target shooting and illegal dumping. This transfer will improve safety and address public safety concerns from residents. It’s important to note that the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony has expressed a willingness to ensure a north-south access route is available to OHV users in this area.

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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