Sponsor
Marilyn Strickland
Representative · D-WA
Representative · D-WA
The bill transfers ownership and local control of hatchery facilities to the Nisqually Tribe—strengthening tribal stewardship and transparency—while shifting fiscal responsibilities and exposing the Tribe and local governments to possible legal or mapping-related liabilities.
Nisqually Indian Tribe gains ownership and control of 26 hatchery facilities and associated infrastructure within 90 days, increasing tribal self-determination over natural resources and infrastructure.
Local tribal management enables faster repairs, operational changes, and culturally informed stewardship of the Clear Creek Hatchery, which can improve environmental outcomes and align operations with tribal priorities.
Finalized maps and legal descriptions will be publicly filed, increasing transparency about land holdings and boundaries for the Tribe and local governments.
The transfer is at no cost, which shifts ongoing maintenance and capital costs for 26 hatchery facilities to the Tribe and could create significant financial strain on tribal budgets.
Conveyance subject to 'valid existing rights' could leave unresolved third-party easements or claims, risking operational disruptions and legal disputes involving the Tribe and local governments.
If the filed map controls over the legal description, mapping errors or inconsistencies could create unintended boundary or asset-control problems that are costly and time-consuming to correct.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Transfers specified Clear Creek Hatchery buildings and related infrastructure from federal ownership to the Nisqually Indian Tribe at no cost, subject to existing rights.
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
Conveys ownership of specified Clear Creek Hatchery buildings, infrastructure, and related easements from the United States to the Nisqually Indian Tribe at no cost, subject to valid existing rights, and directs the Department of the Interior to file and maintain two specified maps and legal descriptions with the conveyance. The conveyance must occur within 90 days of enactment, with procedures for correcting minor mapping errors and a definition of the covered facilities and maps.