California returns stretch of rugged northern coast to Indigenous tribes

California is transferring a 136-acre stretch of northern coast to the Indigenous nations whose ancestors once stewarded its shores.

The land is in Mendocino County and is managed by the state's transportation department, Caltran, according to The Los Angeles Times. 

Caltran officials recently approved the transfer of Blues Beach and the surrounding bluffs to Kai Poma, the nonprofit founded by representatives of the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Round Valley Indian Tribes and Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, the newspaper also reports.

The transfer reportedly marks the first time land managed by Caltran has been returned to Indigenous tribes.

J. Carlos Rivera, tribal chairman of the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians told the newspaper, "We are basically obtaining the land that our people once lived on before colonization.”

California bought the coastal property in the 1960s to expand the construction of Highway 1 and create a scenic view for highway travelers, according to a California Coastal Commission report.

However, more recently, public access to the land has resulted in large groups camping and partying on the beach, particularly during summer weekends, and reportedly driving through sensitive areas, damaging cultural sites and leaving behind trash, the report states.

"One of the most spectacular stretches of the Mendocino Coast will be forever protected," said Democrat state Sen. Mike McGuire, who sponsored a bill that led to the years-long effort to transfer the land.