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

The Interior Board of Indian Appeals will hear challenges to a land consolidation plan for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians in California.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the tribe's consolidation area and acquisition plan in June. Opponents -- including Santa Barbara County and community groups -- believe the designation will lead to approval of a controversial land-into-trust application.

The application covers a 1,400-acre site that the tribe plans to use for housing and other purposes. The property falls under the 11,500-acre land consolidation area.

The IBIA has consolidated appeals of the plan.

Get the Story:
Appeals board consolidates challenges of land plan (The Solvang Valley News 10/10)

An Opinion:
Caryn Cantella: Council vote is criticized (The Santa Maria Times 10/10)

Related Stories:
Opinion: Chumash land-into-trust plan raises fairness issues (10/9)
BIA grants extension on Chumash Tribe's land-into-trust bid (10/8)
Opinion: City should join fight against Chumash Tribe land bid (10/3)
City takes no position on Chumash Tribe's land-into-trust bid (10/2)
Vincent Armenta: Chumash Tribe isn't taking away your land (9/26)
Meeting held for Chumash Tribe's land-into-trust application (9/26)
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)