Department Overview

The Rincon Environmental Department promotes, develops and executes environmental strategies and programs consistent with the culture, vision and priorities of the Rincon Tribal Government and Membership. The Rincon Environmental Department is also responsible for managing, protecting, enhancing, restoring, and conserving the Tribe’s natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations.

The Rincon Environmental Department manages all environmental protection programs on the Reservation, including the development of regulatory, non-regulatory, community education and outreach programs, and is responsible for the development and the enforcement of tribal environmental ordinances, enhancing tribal sovereignty. The Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians has received Treatment as a State (TAS) status from U.S. EPA for the development of water quality standards and EPA Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification programs.

The Department hosts or participates in annual community events such as Clean Up Day and Intertribal Earth Day, and prepares community informational leaflets and brochures on various environmental topics. Current environmental programs focus on water quality, solid waste disposal, non-point source pollution prevention, climate resilience, natural resource surveys and endangered species management. The Environmental Department is committed to seeking out additional funding opportunities to support the environmental policies of the Tribe.

Environmental Department Programs

• Solid Waste Management
• Air Quality
• Water Quality
• Endangered Species and Habitat Protection
• Invasive Species
• Environmental Education and Outreach
• Multimedia
• Climate Adaptation & Sustainability
• Reforestation (Oak Trees)
• Environmental Ordinance Enforcement
• Environmental Reviews (NHPA/NEPA)