Buy-Back Program Sends Offers to Landowners with Fractional Interests at the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Indian Reservation

Date: March 22, 2018

Contact: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov

WASHINGTON – The Department of the Interior announced today that nearly 700 landowners with fractional interests at the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Indian Reservation in Oregon have been sent purchase offers from the Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations (Buy-Back Program). 

Since the Program began making offers in December 2013, more than 761,000 fractional interests and the equivalent of nearly 2.2 million acres of land has been transferred to tribal governments.  To date, the Program has made nearly 238,000 offers to Indian landowners.

“The Buy-Back Program is a unique opportunity for landowners to consider fair market value offers for their interests in fractionated land,” said Program Director John McClanahan.  “In collaboration with tribes and federal partners, the Program works to provide landowners with information to help them understand their land, offer, and options. Supporting informed decisionmaking by landowners is a cornerstone of the Program.”

Landowners with fractional interests at the Warm Springs Indian Reservation have until April 24, 2018, to consider and return accepted offers in the pre-paid postage envelopes provided.   More resources is available to help landowners think strategically about their options and consider how to use the funds they receive from selling their land.

The Buy-Back Program implements the land consolidation component of the Cobell Settlement, which provided $1.9 billion to purchase fractional interests in trust or restricted land from willing sellers at fair market value within 10 years.  As a result of the Buy-Back Program, tribal ownership now exceeds 50 percent in nearly 14,700 tracts of land, strengthening tribal sovereignty and self-determination.

Landowners can contact the Trust Beneficiary Call Center at 888-678-6836 or visit their local OST office to ask questions about their land or purchase offers, and learn about financial planning resources.  More information and detailed frequently asked questions are available to help individuals make informed decisions about their land.

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