A 136-acre stretch of coastline in Mendocino County, California, is being transferred to an Indigenous peoples group after approval from a state commission supported by Governor Gavin Newsom. The property, which includes Blues Beach near Westport, will be transferred from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to Kai Poma, a nonprofit established by the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Round Valley Indian Tribes, and Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians. Caltrans granted final regulatory approval for the transfer on June 26.
This marks the first time in California's history that land managed by Caltrans and owned by the state has been transferred to a nonprofit representing Native American tribes with ancestral ties to the area. Once the transfer is complete, Kai Poma will own and maintain the site, focusing on protecting natural resources and cultural heritage.
The land was acquired by the state in the 1960s for Highway 1 expansion and a scenic overlook. Recently, the beach has attracted large crowds, leading to concerns about unregulated public access and damage to cultural resources. Tribal leaders emphasize the land's cultural and spiritual significance, as it is used for traditional gathering activities.
Kai Poma plans to conduct surveys and develop a long-term resource management plan while working with the Coastal Commission on a public access plan that allows visitors from sunrise to sunset. The transfer required changes in state law, which were enacted in 2021, allowing Caltrans to transfer state-owned property to tribal governments.
Supporters of the transfer believe it will protect the coastal area while returning sacred land to Indigenous descendants. Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians Chair J. Carlos Rivera expressed the significance of reclaiming land historically occupied by their people. Following the commission's approval, Caltrans staff will proceed with recording the deed for the property transfer.