Caltrans hands over 136 acres of Blues Beach to Pomo Indian tribes

California Coastal Land Transfer to Tribal Group

A notable section of coastline in Mendocino County, California, is set to be transferred to a tribal organization following approval from a state commission supported by Governor Gavin Newsom. This transfer involves 136 acres of beaches and coastal bluffs, including Bruce Beach, located just south of Westport.

Caltrans, the California Department of Transportation, will hand over the land to Kai Poma, a nonprofit established by representatives from the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, the Round Valley Indian Tribe, and the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians. The final regulatory approval for this transaction was granted on June 26.

This marks a significant moment in California’s history, as it’s the first time land previously managed by Caltrans has been transferred to a tribal group. Caltrans District 1 stated, “Upon transfer, Kai Poma will own and maintain the 136-acre property and protect sensitive natural resources and Native American cultural resources.”

Historically, the state acquired this rugged coastline in the 1960s as part of a highway expansion project aimed at enhancing scenic overlooks for travelers.

Recently, the beach has drawn large crowds during summer and holidays, but access has largely been unregulated. This has led to issues with camping, parties, and even damage to cultural resources—problems highlighted in state planning documents.

The coastal land holds cultural and spiritual importance for the tribes. The area serves as a site for traditional activities like seaweed and abalone gathering and is used for youth cultural camps.

Kai Poma intends to perform cultural, archaeological, and environmental studies as part of forming a long-term resource management plan. They are also collaborating with the Coastal Commission to develop a public access plan for visitors.

The process to facilitate this transfer took years and necessitated changes in state law. Up until 2021, Caltrans lacked the authority to transfer state property to tribal governments—this changed when Newsom passed a bill allowing such transfers.

State Senator Mike McGuire commented, “With the formal transfer of 136 acres of land to tribal management, one of the Mendocino Coast’s most spectacular areas will be permanently protected. This agreement, the first of its kind in California, provides these tribes a real chance to reclaim their sacred lands.” He emphasized that this moment is long overdue.

The new law restricts commercial activities on the land and guarantees public access, aiming to safeguard one of the area’s beautiful beaches while returning the land to those whose ancestors historically cared for it.

J. Carlos Rivera, president of the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, remarked on the significance of this transfer, saying it allows the tribe to reclaim land that was once theirs before colonization.