The Bureau of Indian Affairs held a public meeting on Wednesday night to discuss the Cowlitz Tribe's land-into-trust request.

The recently recognized Washington tribe wants 152 acres for an initial reservation. The land will be used for a casino complex, tribal offices, a cultural center, housing and an RV park.

The tribe prepared an environmental assessment but will also prepare a more detailed environmental impact statement on the project. Some local residents oppose the idea of a casino.

The tribe gained final recognition in 2000.

Get the Story:
Bureau seeks input on Cowlitz (The Columbian 12/1)
Cowlitz will hear from public on casino plans (The Oregonian 12/1)

Relevant Documents:
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Cowlitz Indian Tribe's Trust Acquisition and Casino Project, Clark County, WA (Federal Register November 12, 2004)

Relevant Links:
Cowlitz Tribe - http://www.cowlitz.org

Related Stories:
BIA seeks comments on Cowlitz land-into-trust (11/12)
Cowlitz Tribe outlines plans for casino complex (11/05)
Cowlitz Tribe promotes casino in direct mailing (10/01)
Cowlitz Tribe confirms plans for casino on reservation (07/30)
Mohegan Tribe investing in Cowlitz Tribe's casino (07/27)
City opposing Cowlitz Tribe now wants to negotiate (06/30)
BIA asked to delay land-into-trust for Cowlitz Tribe (05/27)
Cowlitz Tribe blasts campaign against land bid (03/11)
City opposes Indian but not non-Indian gaming (3/4)
Coalition rallies against Cowlitz Tribe's casino (2/17)
County delays approval of deal with Cowlitz Tribe (02/13)
Republican Indians form coalition to re-elect Bush (02/09)
Cowlitz Tribe prepares land-into-trust documents (10/16)
Cowlitz Tribe seeks land-use agreement with county (09/05)