Two New York counties offered an alternative to the Oneida Nation's land-into-trust proposal.

The tribe wants more than 17,000 acres in Madison and Oneida counties placed in trust. The land is currently held in fee and, as a result of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, is not under federal protection.

But rather than acquire the entire acreage, the counties propose only 1,030 acres. That would include the tribe's Turning Stone Resort and Casino and a few other buildings.

The BIA released a draft environmental impact statement last month that outlined several alternatives. The report said the tribe contributes millions of dollars to the local economy.

Get the Story:
Counties want less Oneida land in trust (The Syracuse Post-Standard 12/14)

Draft Environmental Impact Statement:
Oneida Nation of New York Conveyance of Lands Into Trust (November 2006)

Relevant Links:
Oneida Nation Trust - http://www.oneidanationtrust.com
Indian Nation Fee-to-Trust Land Acquisition Applications in New York State - http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/ogc/lands.html
Oneida Nation, New York - http://www.oneida-nation.net

Sherrill v. Oneida Nation Decision:
Syllabus | Opinion [Ginsburg] | Concurrence [Souter] | Dissent [Stevens]