Washoe Tribe completes landback purchase near Lake Tahoe
A four-year effort with partners raised $69 million to acquire and rename Loyalton Ranch, with plans for stewardship, culture and fire mitigation
The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California has completed a landback purchase of more than 10,000 acres in the Sierra Nevada, according to ICT. The land, formerly known as Loyalton Ranch, has been renamed the WélmeltiɁ Preserve. Chairman Serrell Smokey told ICT the property will support cultural practices, land stewardship and reconnecting youth with the land and Native language.
According to ICT, the acquisition followed four years of work with partner organizations including the Northern Sierra Partnership, Feather River Land Trust and the Wildlife Conservation Board. Partners raised $6.9 million for the purchase, including $5.5 million from the California Wildlife Conservation Board and private donations. Tribal leaders said plans for the land include conservation, restoration and fire mitigation and described the return as part of a broader healing process following forced removal from the area.
- 1.Kalle Benallie. ICT, .
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