The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony is the new owner of 21 square miles of land west of Spanish Springs and north of Sun Valley.  In 2016, Congress passed the Nevada Native Nations Land Act that transferred 71,000 acres from federal stewardship to Native American communities in Nevada.  The Tribal Council has put up new signs declaring its ownership and for now, is allowing nondestructive, peaceful uses of the lands such as hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding, without the need of a permit.  ATVs are also permitted to pass through the area on designated routes.  Dumping, discharge of firearms and camp fires or fireworks are prohibited.  Chairman Arlan Melendez says the tribe wants to allow the land to recover and heal due to overuse from multiple activities.