Chairman Robert Smith of the Pala Band of Mission Indians. Photo by Save Gregory Canyon
The Pala Band of Mission Indians paid $13 million to acquire 700 acres of sacred land in southern California. The tribe bought the property from a developer who wanted to use it for the Gregory Canyon Landfill. The deal ensures that Chokla, a sacred mountain, will be protected for future generations. "The Pala Band of Mission Indians is very pleased to have been able to work cooperatively with GCL to achieve a result that protects both our sacred sites and the water resources critical to numerous users along the river,” Chairman Robert Smith said in a press release. “Pala supports GCL’s efforts to construct an alternative and more desirable residential and commercial project on its remaining property.” The tribe won't oppose development on another 1,000 acres that GCL plans to use for residential and commercial projects, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported. Read More on the Story:
With Pala Purchase, Landfill Plan For Gregory Canyon Is Dead (KPBS 11/18)
GREGORY CANYON LANDFILL PLAN TRASHED: PALA TRIBE BUYS LAND TO PROTECT SACRED SITES AND HABITAT (East County Magazine 11/18)
Gregory Canyon Landfill project dead as Pala tribe buys part of land (The San Diego Union-Tribune 11/17)
The Dump Got Dumped (National Resources Defense Council 11/17)
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