The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) dated February 2025 for the Nisqually Indian Tribe (Tribe) Medicine River Ranch and Fee-to-Trust Project. The EA was prepared pursuant to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 United States Code [USC] ยง4321 et seq.) and the BIA NEPA Guidebook (59 Indian Affairs Manual 3-H), and assesses the environmental impacts that could result from the acquisition by the BIA of 72.22 acres (Project Site) into federal trust status for the benefit of the Tribe (Proposed Action). Once in trust, the Tribe proposes develop and operate a 20,000 square foot equestrian ranch, including an indoor area with stables, to provide equine therapy to tribal members and the surrounding community (Proposed Project). The Project Site is located adjacent to Lake Saint Clair in unincorporated Thurston County, Washington. A Finding of No Significant Impact was signed on April 16, 2025.
CONTACT
Tobiah Mogavero, BIA Regional NEPA Coordinator
BIA Northwest Region Office
Division of Environmental & Cultural Resource Management (DECRM)
911 NE 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232-4169
(971) 940-5785
[email protected]