The Bureau of Indian Affairs has approved a land-into-trust request by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

The tribe plans to use 6.9 acres for a museum, cultural center and commercial space. The land is located across from the tribe's casino.

The public has until February 14 to file an appeal of the decision.

Get the Story:
Chumash annexation gets federal approval (The Santa Maria Times 1/25)

Relevant Links:
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians - http://www.santaynezchumash.org

Related Stories:
Conviction of tribal official spurs new probes (01/13)
LA Times: Explosion of wealth changes Chumash Tribe (12/03)
Neighbors fear Chumash Tribe's development plans (11/24)
California to review tribal gaming regulators (11/16)
NIGC worried about Chumash Tribe's regulation (10/29)
Schwarzenegger wants gaming tribes to open books (10/20)
Chumash Tribe criticized for regulating casino (10/19)
Chumash Tribe still in talks for major development (10/05)
Editorial: The never ending Indian wars in California (06/30)
Residents challenge county to fight Chumash Tribe (06/16)
Chumash Tribe's development deal stirs opposition (06/07)
Davy Crockett actor under fire for working with tribe (05/17)
Chumash Tribe to turn land into housing community (03/16)
Once outspoken, county official now mum about tribe (03/23)
County official won't resign for calling tribe uneducated (03/10)
Elected official called Calif. tribe unsophisticated (3/5)