In the News

Press Release: Federal Agency Releases Environmental Report on Proposed Casino at Strawberry Fields. 

For Immediate Release

March 29, 2024

Contact:     530.901.3414

info@speakupshasta.org

REDDING, CA – Nearly five years after issuing a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Redding Rancheria’s proposed casino at Strawberry Fields, the US Department of Interior has issued its “Final” Environmental Impact Statement.

“The release of the “Final” Environmental Impact Statement does not mean that a casino will be built at Strawberry Fields,” said Robb Korinke of Speak Up Shasta. “The Rancheria’s “deal” with the County of Shasta for law enforcement and other services is already facing a significant legal challenge, and our coalition of over 6,000 residents and local businesses stands with the City of Redding in absolute opposition to this project.” 
 

2,500-Page Report Reviews Traffic, Environmental and Economic Issues

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The FEIS follows the original draft document in examining the likely impacts of the Rancheria’s proposed project over 2,500 pages of analysis and response to comments issued on the original document. Speak up Shasta has vehemently criticized numerous elements of the original EIS, and will be closely reviewing the FEIS for these same issues including:

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Massive Traffic
As stated by the original Impact Report, this casino “would generate a significant increase in traffic”, more than 13,500 *New* vehicle trips per day. Critically, the traffic analysis completely ignored impacts to rush hour traffic in what has already become the most congested interchange in Shasta County.

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Threats to Salmon, Eagles and Endangered Species
This stretch of river is essential to the survival of Salmon and Steelhead, listed as critical habitat, and is vital to their existence. The plan does not address the noise and light issues which will dramatically impact these endangered species. Bald Eagles have been seen to forage on this site. This is the symbol of our nation and is endangered in California.

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Costs to Redding and Shasta County
If built, the original report noted the “Tribe would not pay corporate income taxes on revenue or property taxes on tribal land.” The shopping mall proposed by the Rancheria will not be subject to sales tax. That may mean slightly cheaper goods, but it won’t benefit our community, who has to pay for the police, fire, infrastructure, homeless services and other issues impacting our community. Notably, the “deal” struck between the Rancheria and Shasta County last year has come under legal scrutiny, and voters in March un-elected at least one of that deal’s chief advocates – despite his heavy financial backing from the Rancheria.

Document Ignores Cultural History of the Site

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Extensive archaeological studies suggest Strawberry Fields is the site of the Sacramento River Massacre, which saw the killing of up to 1,000 Native Americans of the Wintu and other tribes.  Historian Benjamin Madley described as “one of the largest yet least-known massacres in the history of the United States”. Efforts to protect this site are underway and the massacre should be a central point of consideration prior to paving over an undeveloped pasture of great historical significance.

Does this Mean the Casino is Approved?

No. There are still several official Records of Decision required to grant the Rancheria gaming rights at Strawberry Fields and the ability to build the casino. The City of Redding still opposes the project and Speak up Shasta will be reviewing the over 2,500 pages of FEIS and its appendices in the coming days to see whether the significant issues about the proposal’s impacts to traffic, the river environment and other economic impacts to the community have been addressed.

What is Next for the Fight to Save Strawberry Fields?

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The Redding Rancheria still has no approval to build their proposed mega casino, and the project is still opposed by the City of Redding and over 6,000 Shasta County residents. The release of the EIS – nearly five years after the draft was issued in 2019 – is a step in the process, but not definitive.

This is a long fight with many battles left. The FEIS is set to officially publish on Friday March 29. That will initiate a 30-day comment period during which time residents are strongly encouraged to send a clear message with their concerns about the project. If you have not signed the Speak Up Shasta petition, please do so at www.SpeakUpShasta.org so we can keep you informed about our ongoing efforts.