Reid introduces Washoe Tribe land transfer bill

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., has introduced legislation to transfer 24.3 acres along Lake Tahoe to the Washoe Tribe.

The Washoe Tribe Lake Tahoe Access Act stems from the 1997 Lake Tahoe Summit hosted by Reid and President Clinton to develop a plan to preserve and protect the lake.

The property is within the Tahoe Basin Management Unit north of Skunk Harbor and is now under control of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Reid said it will not be used for any commercial purposes.

"It will ensure that members of the tribe can continue to engage in their traditional cultural activities including spiritual renewal, land stewardship, subsistence gathering, traditional learning and reunification of tribal and family bonds," said Reid.

He said the land transfer will formally honor the commitment that was made to the tribe during the Lake Tahoe Summit and ensure that the Washoe Tribe is a major contributor to preserving and protecting Lake Tahoe.