The decision came after a bipartisan bill introduced by Senators Jeff Merkley and Andrea Salinas was passed by both chambers of Congress on September 17.
The law earmarks 18,626 acres of federal land within the Siuslaw National Forest, near the Tillamook‑Yamhill line east of Hebo, for trust status under the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.
Under the act, the tribe will retain public access for hunting, fishing and recreation, though it can temporarily restrict use for safety or wildlife management.
The move echoes a long‑standing loss; in 1954 the Western Oregon Termination Act ended federal trust, leaving the tribe landless until federal recognition was restored in 1983.
Cheryle A. Kennedy, tribal council chairwoman, said the transfer “will rebuild the reservation, community and economy” and enable the tribe to apply ancestral forest stewardship.
With the bill signed, the 18,626 acres will be placed into trust next month, after a final administrative transfer by the Forest Service; the tribe will then begin a phased management plan.