Shoalwaters purchase major Tokeland acreage for long-term development

TOKELAND — Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe Tribal Chairman Douglas Davis announced Jan. 2, the acquisition of several hundred acres of ancestral homelands located on the Tokeland Peninsula.

The acquired property was formerly used primarily for agriculture and includes a developed golf course. The remainder is tidelands. Most of the property is adjacent to and near the actual boundaries of the Reservation, and includes the land formerly known as the Nelson Ranch, founded by Ray Nelson. This property has long been considered an important parcel to increase the total land base of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe.

Through lengthy negotiations with the Larson family, descendants of Ray Nelson, the Tribe was able to make this acquisition and finalize the purchase on Dec. 2, 2014.

Long range planning

The Tribe, through a long-term development plan, has been purchasing property in order to expand its land base and due to rapid growth of the Tribe itself, there was a critical need for additional property.

The property will be the subject of a long range plan designed to maximize its use for a number of projects, including potentially homes for Tribal members, economic development, development of utilities and infrastructure, aquatic habitat restoration and restoration of traditional activities.

The Tribe will make drainage and maintenance of the property a priority, with upgrades as time and budget allow.