California Coastline Returns to Indigenous Tribes

In a landmark decision, 136 acres of California's Mendocino County coastline have been transferred to an Indigenous peoples group. The property, located just south of Westport, will now be managed by Kai Poma, a nonprofit founded by representatives of the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Round Valley Indian Tribes, and Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians. Caltrans gave its final regulatory approval for the transfer on June 26.

This transfer marks the first time state-owned land managed by Caltrans has been conveyed to a nonprofit established by local Native American tribes with ancestral ties to the area. The land, acquired by the state in the 1960s, was intended for Highway 1 expansion and a scenic overlook. However, recent years saw unregulated public use, including camping and damage to cultural resources.

Tribal leaders emphasize the land's deep cultural and spiritual importance, noting its use for traditional gathering and youth cultural camps. Kai Poma plans to conduct surveys and develop a management plan, ensuring the land's protection while keeping it accessible to the public from sunrise to sunset.

The transfer was made possible by legislation sponsored by State Sen. Mike McGuire, which took effect in 2021. Prior to this, Caltrans lacked the authority to transfer state property to tribal governments. The new law prohibits commercial activity and mandates continued public access, celebrating a pivotal moment in returning sacred lands to their ancestral stewards.