Proponents for ratification of state Gaming Agreements with the Big Lagoon Rancheria say approval will forever block commercial development by the Tribe on the southern end of the Big Lagoon in Humboldt County, CA; and they say that is a positive move because it will help to maintain the integrity of the Big Lagoon, part of the Humboldt Lagoons State Park.
That’s not the whole truth.
The Agreements do virtually prohibit commercial development on the Tribe’s current sovereign reservation lands – two parcels of approximately 20 acres – referenced in the Agreements as Parcels A and B. However, since those agreements were struck in 2005, the tribe has acquired several other parcels within the Big Lagoon Subdivision along the southern shoreline of the Big Lagoon. Those parcels, more than 16 acres in all, are not yet held in Trust by the U.S. Government but are eligible for consideration at some point in the future. Those parcels are currently zoned for commercial uses and are not encumbered by the gaming Compact or related Settlement Agreement.
Xxx Current Trust Lands (Reservation) - held by the U.S. Government for the Big Lagoon Rancheria
Xxx Non-Trust Lands - held by the Big Lagoon Rancheria and zoned for commercial uses; eligible for trust consideration at a later date
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