The state of California just returned 136 acres of Blues Beach and nearby coastal bluffs in Mendocino County to Kai Poma, a nonprofit created by three local Native American tribes.
Kai Poma represents the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, the Round Valley Indian Tribes, and the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians.
The transfer is the first time Caltrans-managed land has been returned to tribal stewardship. The California Transportation Commission recently approved the transfer. The property is now moving through its final administrative steps.
Returning ancestral lands
Blues Beach is located along the Mendocino County coast near Westport. California bought the property in the 1960s to create scenic overlooks and recreational areas along Highway 1.
State officials say the transfer reconnects local tribes with land that holds deep cultural and spiritual significance.
“This momentous transfer restores a sacred cultural connection between Native peoples and their ancestral homelands in the north state. By virtue of a collaborative effort among tribal nations, state agencies, and regional partners, this majestic stretch of coastline will once again be managed under the rightful stewardship of local tribes,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement.
Senate Bill 231 made it possible
The transfer fulfills the intent of Senate Bill 231, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law in 2021.
The bill, authored by Sen. Mike McGuire, gave Caltrans the authority to transfer the land. It also bans commercial development and requires public access to remain.
Before approving the transfer, the California Transportation Commission finalized the property’s boundaries, access agreements, environmental protections, and management plans.
Protecting culture and nature
Kai Poma leaders say the transfer will help preserve tribal traditions while protecting the coastline.
“Ancestral lands hold profound importance to California Indian communities. The legacy of forced relocation continues to affect tribal families, and the protection of homelands remains essential for cultural continuity,” said Kai Poma Chairman Eddie Knight.
Knight also said the land will continue to support traditional practices.
“Preserving and restoring Blues Beach supports ongoing tribal practices such as harvesting food, harvesting medicine, and safeguarding sites of historical and spiritual significance. Kai Poma looks forward to restoring and protecting Blues Beach for future generations.”
What this means for visitors
Visitors will still be able to enjoy Blues Beach. Under Senate Bill 231, public access must remain in place. Additionally, commercial development is also prohibited.
State officials said generations of Californians have visited the beach for recreation and sightseeing. That will continue under tribal stewardship.
Kai Poma will manage the property according to its cultural, environmental, and public access commitments. Caltrans will keep an easement for future highway maintenance.
Part of a larger effort
The Blues Beach transfer is part of California’s broader effort to expand tribal stewardship.
In 2019, Gov. Newsom issued a formal apology to California Native American peoples. He also announced the creation of the California Truth and Healing Council.
Since then, the state has expanded tribal partnerships through conservation programs, co-management efforts, and grants that support ancestral land returns.
California has awarded more than $200 million through tribal conservation programs. Those investments have helped return more than 100,000 acres to California Native American tribes.
Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin said the transfer is the result of years of collaboration.
“Thanks to Governor Newsom’s leadership and Senator McGuire’s legislation, this transfer acknowledges the deep cultural, historical, and ecological significance of this 136-acre property to local tribes and advances long-standing efforts to return stewardship responsibilities to tribal communities.”
