The Bureau of Indian Affairs is taking public comments on a land-into-trust application submitted by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

The tribe wants a 1,400-acre site placed in trust. Plans call for a portion of the land to be used for housing.

"The tribe proposes to provide housing assignments to tribal members who do not currently have assignments on the existing reservation," the BIA said in a public notice. Additional supporting infrastructures are planned including access roads, a centralized wastewater treatment plant, and on-site water supply facilities."

The BIA will accept comments until September 19, although opposition groups are already seeking an extension. The agency will determine whether to issue a finding of no significant impact or to start a more extensive process for an environmental impact statement.

Documents can be found at chumashea.com.

Get the Story:
Extension sought for ‘Camp 4’ comments (The Santa Ynez Valley News 9/5)

Some Opinions:
Doreen Farr: Farr makes position clear on Camp 4 (The Santa Ynez Valley News 9/5)
Donna Will: Tribe consolidation area: Camp 4 on steroids (The Santa Ynez Valley News 9/5)

Related Stories:
Editorial: Negotiate land-into-trust deal with Chumash Tribe (08/26)
Vincent Armenta: Facts on Chumash Tribe's land application (8/22)
Editorial: Middle ground with Chumash Tribe remains elusive (8/22)
County won't start land-into-trust talks with Chumash Tribe (8/21)