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What is Trust Land? Flyer

What is Trust Land?

Flyer-What-is-Trust-Land_r-Pala-GIS

Pala GIS Department

For more information, contact Matthey Deveney, Director:
760-891-3512 | mdeveney@palatribe.com | Pala GIS Department

Text-based Version

What is Trust Land?

Trust Land refers to land where the legal title is held by the United States government for the benefit of a Native American tribe or individual. While the government holds title, the beneficial interest remains with the tribe or individual, meaning they are the true users and beneficiaries of the land.

Trust Land at a Glance

  • Held in Trust – Title is held by the U.S. government, but the beneficial rights belong to tribes or individuals.
  • Restricted Transfer – Any sale, lease, or transfer must be approved by the federal government, and is unlikely.
  • Tax-Exempt – Trust land is generally exempt from state and local property taxes.
  • Supports Tribal Sovereignty – Trust status helps preserve tribal lands and self-determination.

Trust Land

  • Title held by the U.S. government for the tribe/individual
  • Requires federal approval for sale/transfer
  • Exempt from property taxes
  • Governed by federal and tribal law

Fee Land

  • Owned outright by an individual or entity
  • Can be sold, mortgaged, or transferred without federal approval
  • Subject to property taxes
  • Governed by local/state law

Why It’s Important

Understanding the role of trust land is essential for:

  • Tribal sovereignty and governance
  • Protecting Native cultural and land rights
  • Property taxation and jurisdiction
  • Economic development and land use planning

Questions

Would you like a map of your trust land? Feel free to contact the Pala GIS Department:
(760)891-3500 | gis@palatribe.com | www.palatribe.com/residents/gis-department

Sources

  1. U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. Fee to Trust Land Acquisitions. Bureau of Indian Affairs
  2. U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. Benefits of Trust Land Acquisition. Bureau of Indian Affairs
  3. National Conference of State Legislatures. Summary: Trust Land. NCSL
    Law.Cornell (Legal Information Institute). Definition of “trust land” under 12 USC §1715z-13a(l)(9). Legal Information Institute
  4. Every CRS Report. Tribal Lands: Overview and Issues for Congress. Every CRS Report

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