An Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared to assess the potential environmental consequences of the acquisition by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) of an approximately 53.34-acre property (Project Site) into federal trust (Proposed Action) for the Wilton Rancheria (Tribe). The Tribe proposes that the Project Site be taken into trust in order to expand the Tribe’s land base and to promote self-determination and economic development. Although the Tribe has no immediate plans, future development of the Project Site with a tribal office and/or gas station/convenience store is reasonably foreseeable based on the Tribe’s current needs and proximity to Interstate 5 (I-5). The BIA is the federal agency charged with reviewing and approving tribal applications to take land into federal trust, and serves as the lead agency for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

A Notice of Availability for the EA was published on October 23, 2026 and initiated a 30-day public review period. Comments on the EA must be emailed, mailed, or hand-delivered to one of the following by November 23, 2026:

• Please email to:
  Jennifer Hayden
  Environmental Protection Specialist
  Bureau of Indian Affairs, Pacific Region
  Jennifer.Hayden@bia.gov

Please use “EA Comments, Wilton Rancheria 53.34-Acre Tribal Office and Commercial Development Fee-to-Trust Project” as the subject of your email.

• Please mail to:
  Ryan Hunter, Acting Regional Director
  Bureau of Indian Affairs, Pacific Regional Office
  2800 Cottage Way, Room W–2820, Sacramento, CA 95825

Please include your name, return address, and the caption: “EA Comments, Wilton Rancheria 53.34-Acre Tribal Office and Commercial Development Fee-to-Trust Project,” on the first page of your written comments.