The White Earth Nation still is waiting for environmental reviews to be completed for its proposed Star Lake Casino on Star Lake in Dent, Otter Tail County, Minnesota. The development would include a casino, restaurants, entertainment area, retail space, hotel and RV park.
The county planning commission requested that White Earth Nation consider a new design for its proposed parking lot adjacent to the casino complex due to concerns over topographical alterations. At public comment meetings, part of the environmental review process, several area residents also expressed concern over wetlands removal at the Star Lake site. Many property owners have called for an Environmental Impact Statement along with the Environmental Assessment Worksheet, although the 5-member county board said if the EAW covers every environmental issue an EIS may not be necessary.
The casino would be built on sovereign tribal land which has been taken into federal trust. Federal environmental regulations cover this land. The county board has control over non-tribal land including an area for the proposed parking lot and driveway to the property.
