California Returns Coastal Land to Native Tribes

California officials returned 55 hectares of coastal land to three Native American tribes , the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, the Round Valley Indian Tribes, and the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, along the Mendocino coast. This marks the first time in state history that public coastal land has been returned to its original Indigenous custodians.

The land, including the scenic Blues Beach, was previously managed by the California Department of Transportation and acquired in the 1960s for highway expansion. Unregulated public access had damaged coastal habitats and archaeological sites.

The tribes formed Kai Poma, a nonprofit organization, to manage the land, prioritizing conservation, ecosystem protection, and cultural preservation. Until 2021, California law prevented such land transfers to tribal governments, requiring a new law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom to enable this return.

The land will remain open to the public during daylight hours, but commercial activities are prohibited. Supporters say this transfer acknowledges the historical importance of Indigenous land stewardship and its value for environmental conservation.