Large tract of land in Willamette Valley could become tribal territory

By Associated Press Published: Aug 27, 2008 at 7:37 PM PST Last Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 12:20 AM PST

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Southern Oregon tribe and a landowner in the rich Willamette Valley farm region called French Prairie are talking about a deal that could make a large tract part of tribal territory.

Both the Klamath Tribes of Chiloquin and the owner of Langdon Farms Golf Course say a casino is not part of the deal. The land in question is near the golf course.

But defenders of the landscape between Wilsonville and Salem say they're worried about whatever development might be planned for a key part of Oregon's farm economy.

Development opponents plan a meeting Thursday at a local fire hall.

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