Oregon Forestland Transferred to Grand Ronde Tribe

New legislation proposes returning 18,626 acres of federal land to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.

Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Native American

Lush old-growth forest in the Pacific Northwest with moss-covered conifers and ferns under a misty, overcast sky. — Federal lawmakers have introduced legislation to transfer 18,626 acres of the Siuslaw National Forest to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should the federal government transfer public forestland to tribal nations to restore ancestral territories?

Federal lawmakers have introduced legislation to transfer 18,626 acres of the Siuslaw National Forest to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. The bill aims to address historic land dispossession and support tribal forest management.

Why it matters

The proposal seeks to rectify past losses of ancestral tribal territory while fostering economic opportunities for the tribe. It represents a significant shift in federal land policy that emphasizes tribal stewardship over government-managed forests.

The legislation mandates that the transferred land must remain open for public recreation, including hunting and fishing. It also strictly prohibits the development of casinos or gambling facilities on the property.

The players

Jeff Merkley

He is a United States Senator from Oregon who co-introduced the bill.

Andrea Salinas

She is a United States Representative from Oregon who co-introduced the bill.

Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde

This is a federally recognized tribe that currently manages approximately 16,000 acres of land.

The details

The bill, introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley and Representative Andrea Salinas, is supported by all seven Democrats in the Oregon congressional delegation. It requires that all forest management practices on the site comply with both federal and tribal environmental laws.

The 19th century saw tribes lose ancestral lands to white settlers.
The federal government terminated tribal recognition in the 1950s.
The timber-versus-spotted-owl conflict took place in the late 1980s and 90s.
Legislation was introduced on September 18, 2026.
Congressional midterm elections will occur in November 2026.

Roadmap

This transfer represents a shift toward tribal authority over federal forest assets in Oregon. It follows the legacy of the late 1980s and 90s timber-versus-spotted-owl conflict by reimagining how public lands are managed for ecological and economic goals.

Residents and visitors will retain their current access to the Siuslaw National Forest for recreational activities like hunting and fishing. The legislation ensures that these public uses are preserved despite the change in land ownership.

The takeaway

This legislation marks a transition in regional forest governance by formalizing tribal responsibility for ecological health. It highlights the growing importance of co-management models in balancing historical tribal rights with public land accessibility.