May 12, 2008: Asst. Sec. of the Interior to Congressman Duncan Hunter
We understand that the Dehesa Community is very
unhappy with what it is calling the "bait and switch" tactic employed by the Tribe. Although
we understand the Community's concern, once land is taken into trust, the Department is not
authorized to reconsider its decision because land cannot be taken out of trust without
Congressional authorization. In addition, current land acquisition regulations in 25 CFR Part
151 do not authorize the Department to impose restrictions on a Tribe's future use ofland
which has been taken into trust. See City of Lincoln, Oregon v. Portland Area Director, 33
IBfA 102 (1999).
Scan_Doc0019.pdf — PDF document, 1.10 MB (1154549 bytes)
Document Actions