S. 3695: Santini-Burton Modernization Act of 2026

This bill, known as the Santini-Burton Modernization Act of 2026, seeks to update existing legislation regarding land acquisition and management in the Lake Tahoe Basin, specifically addressing the needs and rights of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.

Key Provisions

• Recognition of Tribal Land Rights: Acknowledges that the Lake Tahoe Basin is the historic homeland of the Washoe Tribe, which currently owns less than 0.5% of the land in that area, affecting their access to cultural resources.
• Inclusion of the Washoe Tribe in Land Management: Enhances the authority of the Forest Service to acquire and manage land by explicitly including the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California in these processes. This means that they will have a more significant role in decisions regarding land use and management.
• Land Management Activities: The bill allows funds used for land acquisition to also be utilized for land management activities within the Lake Tahoe Basin. This includes various environmental benefits such as maintaining forest health, preserving cultural sites, and improving water quality.
• Partnerships for Land Management: Establishes partnerships with federal and state agencies, local governments, and indigenous tribes to implement land management practices, thereby promoting collaborative conservation efforts.
• Spending Plans: The Secretary of Agriculture is mandated to create yearly spending plans to prioritize environmental improvement projects in the Tahoe region, ensuring that local stakeholders, including the Washoe Tribe and regional planning agencies, are consulted in the process.
• Funding Flexibility: Funds allocated for land acquisition can simultaneously support administrative costs and management activities, which enhances the efficiency of resource use in managing acquired lands.
• Match Funding Consideration: Funds provided to the Washoe Tribe or local governments for land management can be recognized as non-federal matching funds under federal law, enabling them to leverage additional resources.

Overall, the bill aims to facilitate a more inclusive and effective approach to land management in the Lake Tahoe Basin, particularly addressing historical injustices faced by the Washoe Tribe in terms of land ownership and cultural resource access.

Relevant Companies

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