OPC Awards $1 Million to Support Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Projects on California’s Coast

OPC is thrilled to announce $1 million in awards to support Tribal Nature-Based Solutions projects on California’s coast. This investment comes as part of a larger commitment announced today by Governor Gavin Newsom to award up to $107.7 million for 32 projects that support tribal priorities related to ancestral land return, restoration, workforce development, implementation of traditional knowledges, and climate resilience. 

In January 2023, OPC adopted a first-of-its-kind Tribal Engagement Strategy to enhance collaboration with tribes on coastal and ocean issues. To support implementation of this Strategy, OPC committed $1 million to California’s Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Program with the goal of restoring culturally important habitats and species, improving tribal access to the coast and ocean, and supporting tribally-led stewardship.   

OPC funding will support the following projects:  

Blues Beach Management Project, Kai Poma (Tribal nonprofit representing Coyote Valley Tribe Band of Pomo Indians, Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, and Round Valley Indian Tribes)  

OPC funding will support Kai Poma in developing a robust management plan for the Blues Beach property, 136.2 acres of tribal ancestral land along the coast in Mendocino County. Funding will support planning to preserve critical habitat and cultural resources, enhance climate resilience and coastal biodiversity, and promote use of Traditional Ecological Knowledge through tribally-led stewardship.    

yat Spasini yak Tspu Conservancy, yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Northern Chumash Tribe 

yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Northern Chumash Tribe is partnering with The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo, Harmony Coast Aquaculture Institute, and Creek Lands Conservation to develop and implement a conservation and economic development plan, including planning for future ancestral land return. OPC funding will support capacity building, development of an estuarine and creek conservation plan and a tribally-led aquaculture development plan, which includes restoration planning for culturally important coastal species.   

Beyond OPC funding, investments made through the Tribal Nature-Based Solutions program will support several other coastal projects, including the Elk Valley Rancheria Restoration and Access Improvement Project, the Resighini Rancheria’s Ancestral Coastal Land Return at the Mouth of the Klamath River, and the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation’s Tolowa Ancestral Land Return Transition Planning Project.  

OPC looks forward to strengthening our partnerships with California Native American tribes through these new and groundbreaking projects. These projects are made possible through the leadership of Deputy Secretary Geneva E.B. Thompson and the CNRA Tribal Affairs team in advancing tribal nature-based solutions, and the leadership of Governor Newsom in working to right historic wrongs and ensuring that tribal stewardship plays a key role in the state’s conservation goals.