Federal Court Yanks Land from Tribe, Crushing California Casino Hopes
Published Date: 4/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The government is reversing its decision to give 68.6 acres of land in Sonoma County, California, to the Koi Nation of Northern California. A court ruled that the land can’t be held in trust for the tribe, so the land will go back to its previous owner, Sonoma Rose LLC. This change was finalized on March 27, 2026, affecting the tribe’s plans for gaming and other uses on that land.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Shiloh Parcel Removed from Trust
The federal government removed 68.60 acres known as the Shiloh Parcel (APN 059-300-003-000) in Sonoma County, California, from trust and reconveyed full ownership in fee simple to Sonoma Rose LLC. This action was finalized on March 27, 2026, following a U.S. District Court order on September 30, 2025 that vacated the Department's January 13, 2025 trust acquisition.
Koi Nation Gaming Plans Disrupted
Because the Shiloh Parcel was removed from trust, the Koi Nation of Northern California is affected in its plans for gaming and other uses on the 68.60-acre site. The land had been declared eligible for gaming on January 13, 2025, the court vacated that decision on September 30, 2025, and the Department finalized reversal on March 27, 2026.
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