Environmental reviews are proceeding for the White Earth Nation’s proposed casino on Star Lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. Once the Environmental Assessment Worksheet is completed the five-person county board will determine if it has answered all environmental issues, or if an Environmental Impact Statement still is required.
The county board has authority over non-tribal land at the proposed casino site, including the area for the parking lot and driveway. Star Lake Casino and Hotel would be built on federal trust land. The development also would include an RV park, restaurants, an entertainment venue and retail space.
Last fall the county board voted to table a Conditional Use Permit request regarding the parking lot and driveway until the environmental review process is completed.
Property owners in the lake area have expressed opposition to the proposed casino project, during the public comment portion of the environmental review process. Several are concerned about wetlands removal and have called for an EIS process in addition to the EAW. In addition, the county planning commission has asked the tribe to consider a new design for its proposed parking lot due to topographical alterations.
