Sponsor
Marilyn Strickland
Representative · D-WA
Representative · D-WA
The bill transfers ownership and greater local control of hatchery facilities to the Nisqually Tribe—improving stewardship and transparency—while shifting financial, legal, and mapping risks and costs onto the Tribe.
The Nisqually Indian Tribe will receive ownership of 26 hatchery facilities and associated infrastructure at no cost within 90 days, giving the Tribe direct legal control over these natural-resource assets.
Local tribal management of the Clear Creek Hatchery and other facilities allows faster repairs and operational changes and enables culturally informed stewardship that can improve environmental outcomes.
Finalized maps and legal descriptions will be publicly filed, improving transparency about land holdings and boundaries for the Tribe and local governments.
The conveyance is subject to 'valid existing rights,' which could leave unresolved third-party easements or claims and expose the Tribe to legal disputes over use or access.
Transferring infrastructure at no consideration shifts maintenance and capital costs to the Tribe, creating new financial burdens for tribal budgets.
If the map controls over the legal description, mapping errors or inaccuracies could produce unintended boundary or asset-control outcomes that are costly and difficult to correct.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Transfers title to specified Clear Creek Hatchery facilities from the U.S. to the Nisqually Indian Tribe at no cost, with maps and legal descriptions filed and a 90‑day completion requirement.
Official title: To direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the Nisqually Indian Tribe the Clear Creek Hatchery infrastructure.
Introduced February 11, 2026 by Marilyn Strickland · Last progress February 11, 2026
Transfers ownership of specified Clear Creek Hatchery buildings, pipes, conduits, fences, roads, and related infrastructure from the United States to the Nisqually Indian Tribe at no cost, subject to any valid existing rights. Requires the Department of the Interior/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to finalize and keep on file controlling maps and legal descriptions and to complete the conveyance within 90 days of enactment. The bill defines the covered infrastructure by name (26 listed facilities and associated appurtenances), requires use of two specified maps (with the map controlling any discrepancy), and allows the parties to correct minor mapping or description errors by mutual agreement.