The Tule River Indian Tribe has regained significant portions of land previously used for cattle ranching, including the Hershey Ranch and Carothers Ranch. This return represents a turning point for the tribe. They sit just south of the 55,000-acre Tule River reservation and adjoining the Giant Sequoia National Monument. The acquisition restores a critical piece of the tribe’s sacred homeland. It tees up a capital infusion for remarkable on-the-ground conservation projects that will save irreplaceable ecosystems and wildlife.
In 2024 and 2025, the lands were purchased with support from private funders, including the Conservation Fund and the California Natural Resources Agency’s Tribal Nature-Based Solutions program. These initiatives utilize state bond funds to facilitate the return of ancestral lands to tribes, reinforcing efforts to conserve 30% of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030.
A Commitment to Conservation
These ecosystems include grasslands, oak woodlands, and some of the last dark evergreen forests on the northern plains. The Tule River Indian Tribe aims to implement various conservation projects on these lands, including efforts to protect the Deer Creek watershed and create habitats for California condors.
Lester R. Nieto Jr., “Shine” He noted that the restoration of this land really represents the heart of what restoring tribal land should be.
“This land return demonstrates the very essence of tribal land restoration, which expands access to essential food and medicinal resources.” – Lester R. Nieto Jr. “Shine,” Chairman, Tule River Tribal Council
Alongside these projects, the tribe intends to reintroduce native tule elk back to their former range, including the coastal area. This long-awaited initiative not only fits into the larger conservation picture, but it allows the tribe to meaningfully reconnect with their cultural heritage.
Strengthening Tribal Sovereignty
Restoring these lands is not just a good environmental initiative. This represents a major victory in restoring the sovereignty of the Tule River Indian Tribe. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office hailed this event as “the largest ancestral land return in the history of the region and a major step in addressing historical wrongs against California Native American tribes.”
This acquisition represents a very important next step. It enhances the partnership among the state and the Tule River Indian Tribe.
“This marks a critical step in deepening the relationship between the state and the Tule River Indian Tribe.” – Gavin Newsom
Tribal leaders have long hoped that these contested lands can become a gathering place for both healing and cultural revival.
“We envision this land located in the Yowlumne Hills as a place to gather, heal, and simply be.” – Lester R. Nieto Jr. “Shine,” Chairman, Tule River Tribal Council
Collaborative Efforts for Restoration
This collaboration between the Tule River Indian Tribe and state officials has been key to moving these restoration projects forward. Last year, they combined forces effectively to return beavers to the south fork of the Tule River. This new undertaking is indicative of their dedication to repairing natural systems.
The tribe’s initiatives extend beyond mere land reclamation. They focus on fostering a sustainable future for both community and environment. Whether installing native fencing on ranches or reinstating khul water management systems, their collaborative projects are boosting biodiversity and ensuring that traditional practices can flourish.