Map shows land consolidation area for Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, including proposed trust land acquisition. Image from Camp 4 Fee-to-Trust Environmental Assessment

Residents of Santa Barbara County, California, attended an information meeting to discuss a land-into-trust application submitted by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is taking comments on an environmental assessment for the application. The deadline is October 7 but county officials are asking for an extension.

Third District Supervisor Doreen Farr, a critic of the tribe who hosted the meeting, said the county will meet October 15 to determine whether to appeal the application. It's highly unlike that the BIA, however, will have made a decision by that date.

The county already voted to challenge the BIA for approving the tribe's land consolidation plan It's not clear if a lawsuit will be filed or if there will some sort of administrative appeal.

The tribe wants 1,400 acres placed in trust. Part of the land will be used for housing.

Get the Story:
Camp 4 hearing a sounding board for SYV residents (The Santa Maria Times 9/26)

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County leader calls meeting on Chumash Tribe land-into-trust (9/24)
BIA extends comments for Chumash Tribe land-into-trust bid (9/19)
Editorial: Extend comments on Chumash Tribe land-into-trust (9/12)
County challenges Chumash Tribe's land consolidation plan (9/11)
Letter: Take poll on Chumash Tribe's land-into-trust application (9/6)
BIA taking public comments for Chumash Tribe land-into-trust (9/5)