Quinault leader urges trust transfer of Allotment 1157 for cultural, conservation use

The subcommittee heard testimony on H.R.2389, the Quinault Indian Nation Land Transfer Act, which would transfer roughly 72 acres of National Forest System land (Allotment 1157) into trust for the Quinault Indian Nation.

Quinault Councilman Tyson Johnston described the historical context: the reservation was set aside following the Treaty of Olympia in 1856 and later partitioned under the General Allotment Act (Dawes Act), which created individually allotted parcels. Allotment 1157 was allotted in 1928 and later sold to private timber owners; the Forest Service acquired the parcel in the 1990s. Johnston said the nation has reacquired roughly 51% of reservation acreage and seeks to consolidate remaining parcels for cultural preservation and long‑term stewardship. "Allotment 1157 represents one of the few remaining vestiges of old growth forest, including ancient cedar trees that once defined the Quinault Indian Reservation's landscape," Johnston testified.

John Crockett of the U.S. Forest Service told the subcommittee the agency supports H.R.2389 and will coordinate interagency and tribal coordination where interests overlap, and that the bill stipulates the land cannot be used for gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The department and agency witnesses said transfers are subject to verification of existing rights and other technical changes the agencies would like to work with the sponsor to resolve.

Johnston said the nation plans to use Allotment 1157 for heritage and cultural purposes and to ensure the land is never commercially logged. Committee members asked the agencies for written follow‑up on technical issues; no committee vote occurred during the hearing.