The Mooretown Rancheria of Maidu Indians (Tribe) submitted a request to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to transfer six parcels (Assessor Parcel Numbers 079-230-002, 079-230-003, 079-230-004, 079-230-006, 079-230-007, 079-260-001) totaling approximately 360.60 acres (Project site) into federal trust status for the benefit of the Tribe for non-gaming purposes (Proposed Action), and subsequent development by the Tribe of 164 housing and apartment units, an event center/tasting room for agricultural products, a parking structure, an approximately 77-acre agricultural area, and conversion of an existing metal shop building for use by the Tribe’s housing department; additionally, an emergency access route from the eastern end of Phase 1 to Windfall Way may also be constructed (Proposed Project). The project site is located contiguous to the Tribe’s existing trust land and adjacent to the Casino in Oroville, Butte County, California (see Environmental Assessment (EA) Figures 1 and 2).
Based upon the entire administrative record including analysis in a December 2024 Environmental Assessment (EA), mitigation imposed, and consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO); the BIA Pacific Region, Division of Environmental, Cultural Resources Management and Safety issues this finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for the Proposed Action. This finding constitutes a determination the Proposed Action is not a Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. Therefore, in accordance with Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 42 U.S.C § 4321 et seq., an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required.
The EA and FONSI are available for public review on the internet at https://mooretown-robinson-ranch-ea.com and a copy of the FONSI is available at the Butte County Library Oroville Branch at 1820 Mitchell Avenue, Oroville, CA 95966.
Public Comment Period
The public comment period for the EA was open for 14 days, beginning on December 31, 2024 and ending on January 13, 2025.