Tule River Indian Tribe Reclaims 17,030 Acres of Ancestral Land, Expanding Reservation and Restoring Ecosystems

Tule River Indian Tribe Reclaims 17,030 Acres of Ancestral Land in Historic Restoration Effort

California’s Sierra Nevada Foothills – In a significant milestone for indigenous rights and environmental conservation, the Tule River Indian Tribe has successfully reclaimed 17,030 acres of ancestral land, expanding its reservation to over 72,000 acres. This landmark acquisition, facilitated by The Conservation Fund and supported by state conservation programs and private philanthropic partners, includes the former Hershey and Carothers ranches.

“This land return demonstrates the very essence of tribal land restoration,” said Lester R. Nieto Jr. ‘Shine,’ chairman of the Tule River Tribal Council. “The tribe envisions this land located in the Yowlumne Hills as a place to gather, heal, and simply be.”

The newly acquired land encompasses a significant portion of the middle Deer Creek watershed, recognized as one of the last undammed waterways in the southern Sierra Nevada. Historically, the Tule River Tribe’s reservation spanned over 91,000 acres, and this restoration aims to reconnect vital landscapes between the Giant Sequoia National Monument, the Tule River Reservation, and the wetlands of the San Joaquin Valley.

In a collaborative effort with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the tribe has already begun reintroducing native species to the area. Tule elk, which have been absent from the foothills for decades, have made a triumphant return, alongside beavers, which were also reintroduced last year. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to support the recovery of the California condor and protect critical habitats.

“Tule elk have been returned to their historic range, beavers have been returned to their historic range, and the California condor’s historic range will be protected,” stated CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham.

State officials anticipate that this land return will not only enhance groundwater recharge and reduce flood risks but also secure water supplies for disadvantaged communities downstream in the San Joaquin-Tulare region.

Governor Gavin Newsom hailed the return of the land and the reintroduction of elk as pivotal steps toward mending California’s relationship with the Tule River Tribe.

As the tribe embarks on this journey of restoration and healing, the reclaimed land stands as a testament to resilience, cultural heritage, and a renewed commitment to environmental stewardship. The Tule River Indian Tribe is poised to transform this land into a sanctuary for both its people and the diverse ecosystems that thrive within it.