Federal bill would transfer 584 acres of national forest to Pit River Tribe

What does this do?

S 2871 would transfer about 584 acres of national forest land in California to the federal government to hold in trust for the Pit River Tribe, making the land part of the tribe's reservation. A survey must be completed within 180 days of the bill passing. Roughly 20 acres of roads and public rights-of-way are excluded from the transfer and remain publicly accessible, and gambling is explicitly prohibited on the land.

Who does it affect?

The bill directly affects the Pit River Tribe and its member communities in northern California, including the XL Ranch, Big Bend, Likely, Lookout, Montgomery Creek, and Roaring Creek Rancherias. It also shifts land management responsibility from the U.S. Forest Service under the Department of Agriculture to the Department of the Interior.

Why does it matter?

The land would move from general national forest management to tribal trust status, giving the tribe greater control over how it is used. For most California residents, the practical impact would be small, as existing roads and easements are protected and public access to those areas would not change.

Where does it stand?