Shabehnay

In 1849 the Shab-eh-nay Reservation lands were illegally sold. In 2006 the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation purchased approximately 128 acres of land within the boundaries of the historic Reservation. In 2014 the PBPN filed to put this land into trust. This action falls within the the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) which requires a review occur prior to taking a major federal action.

NEPA outline of review process:

  1. Notice of Intent: Published in the Federal Register on January 6, 2016.
  2. Scoping (Public Meeting): Held on January 26, 2016.
    • Scoping comment period ends on February 22, 2016.
    • A scoping report will be prepared summarizing all comments received.
    • The BIA will utilize the scoping report in preparing the Draft EIS.
  3. Draft Environmental Impact Statement
    • This document will analyze the environmental impacts of the proposed action along with a reasonable range of alternatives.
    • This document will be available for at least 45 days for review and comments.
  4. Agency/Public Review (2nd Public Meeting)
  5. Final Environmental Impact Statement
    • This document will include responses to all substantive comments received on the Draft EIS.
  6. Record of Decision (ROD) – Marks the end of the NEPA process
    • At least 30 days after the publication of the Final EIS the BIA will issue a ROD which will include whether or not to approve the proposed action.

Project Location

The land owned by the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and proposed for this project is located in DeKalb County, Illinois near the Village of Shabbona.”