Bill Summary
The proposed legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer ownership of the Clear Creek Hatchery infrastructure to the Nisqually Indian Tribe. This conveyance must occur within 90 days of the bill's enactment and will be conducted without any financial compensation.
The legislation outlines that the transfer is subject to existing rights and requires the Secretary to create a final map and legal description of the infrastructure included in the transfer, which must be kept available for public inspection. The "covered infrastructure" includes various components of the hatchery, such as ponds, springs, dams, and associated facilities. The bill aims to support the Nisqually Indian Tribe's management and use of the hatchery for their cultural and environmental needs.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the legislation regarding the conveyance of the Clear Creek Hatchery infrastructure to the Nisqually Indian Tribe could affect people:
1. **Economic Opportunities for the Nisqually Indian Tribe**: The transfer of the Clear Creek Hatchery infrastructure could create new economic opportunities for the Nisqually Indian Tribe. They may utilize the hatchery for fish production, which could enhance their traditional fishing practices and contribute to their economy through the sale of fish or aquaculture products. This could also create jobs within the tribe, leading to improved livelihoods and community development.
2. **Environmental and Cultural Stewardship**: By taking ownership of the hatchery, the Nisqually Indian Tribe may implement environmentally sustainable practices that align with their cultural values and traditional knowledge. This could lead to better management of local fish populations and habitats, benefiting both the tribe and the surrounding ecosystem. Additionally, the tribe's stewardship can foster a deeper connection to their ancestral lands and promote cultural heritage through traditional fisheries management.
3. **Impact on Local Communities and Ecosystems**: The conveyance of the hatchery might also have implications for neighboring communities and ecosystems. If the Nisqually Indian Tribe decides to enhance fish populations or restore habitats, it could lead to improved fishing conditions for local anglers and recreational opportunities in the area. However, changes in land use or water management practices could also affect local ecosystems and the availability of resources, necessitating collaboration between the tribe and other stakeholders to balance interests and protect shared environmental resources.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7515 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7515
To direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the Nisqually
Indian Tribe the Clear Creek Hatchery infrastructure.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 11, 2026
Ms. Strickland introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the Nisqually
Indian Tribe the Clear Creek Hatchery infrastructure.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. CONVEYANCE TO NISQUALLY INDIAN TRIBE OF CLEAR CREEK HATCHERY
INFRASTRUCTURE.
(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall convey to the Nisqually
Indian Tribe all right, title, and interest of the United States in and
to the covered infrastructure.
(b) Requirements.--The conveyance required under subsection (a)
shall be--
(1) subject to valid existing rights; and
(2) for no consideration.
(c) Map and Legal Description.--
(1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of
the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall finalize a
map and a legal description of each item to be conveyed under
this section.
(2) Controlling document.--In the case of a discrepancy
between the map and the legal description created under
paragraph (1), the map shall control.
(3) Corrections.--The Secretary and the Nisqually Indian
Tribe, by mutual agreement, may correct any minor errors in the
map or the legal description created under paragraph (1).
(4) Availability.--The map and the legal description
created under paragraph (1) shall be kept on file and available
for public inspection in each appropriate office of the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Clear creek hatchery.--The term ``Clear Creek
Hatchery'' means the area generally depicted as ``Clear Creek
Hatchery'' on each covered map.
(2) Covered infrastructure.--
(A) In general.--The term ``covered
infrastructure'' means each of the following items
generally depicted on a covered map:
(i) Asphalt Pond #11.
(ii) Asphalt Pond #13.
(iii) Asphalt Pond #14.
(iv) Asphalt Pond #15.
(v) Asphalt Pond #16.
(vi) Clear Creek Spring.
(vii) Dam 1.
(viii) Dam 2.
(ix) Fish Ladder.
(x) Hillside Spring.
(xi) Incubation Room.
(xii) Lower Forebay.
(xiii) Lower Site Discharge.
(xiv) Pollution Abatement Ponds.
(xv) Raceways.
(xvi) Spring 1.
(xvii) Spring 2.
(xviii) Spring 3.
(xix) Upper Forebay.
(xx) Upper Site Re-Use Flow.
(xxi) Water Tower.
(xxii) Well 1.
(xxiii) Well 2.
(xxiv) Well 3.
(xxv) Well 4.
(xxvi) Well 5.
(B) Inclusion.--The term ``covered infrastructure''
includes--
(i) each pipe, electrical and communication
conduit, and other infrastructure within the
Clear Creek Hatchery associated with each item
described in subparagraph (A); and
(ii) each security fence and road within
the Clear Creek Hatchery.
(3) Covered map.--The term ``covered map'' means each of
the following maps:
(A) The map titled ``Nisqually Indian Tribe Clear
Creek Hatchery Lower Site'' and dated December 3, 2024.
(B) The map titled ``Nisqually Indian Tribe Clear
Creek Hatchery Upper Site'' and dated December 3, 2024.
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service.
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