UPDATE: The Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation has just reclaimed nearly 900 acres of ancestral land on Henness Ridge, adjacent to Yosemite National Park. This landmark transfer, confirmed earlier today, marks a significant victory for the tribe in their ongoing quest to restore their heritage and stewardship over the land.
The land transfer, which took place this week, restores a crucial landscape that has faced years of environmental degradation from logging and wildfires. Tribal leaders express that this reclaimed area will not only serve as a sanctuary for cultural ceremonies but also facilitate traditional land management practices, including the harvesting of food, fiber, and medicine.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, this 897-acre parcel was transferred from the Pacific Forest Trust, which had acquired the land nearly two decades ago to prevent vacation-home development. The transaction was made possible by a generous $2.4 million grant from the California Natural Resources Agency through its Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Program, aimed at supporting ancestral land returns across the state.
Tribal Council Chair Sandra Chapman stated, “We know how to take care of the land,” emphasizing the tribe’s commitment to restoring and nurturing Henness Ridge. “We want a space where we can start to congregate and clean up the landscape.”
The Pacific Forest Trust had previously protected this area amid intense development pressure and focused on ecological recovery after the devastating 2018 Ferguson Fire. They undertook extensive restoration efforts, including removing hazardous trees and planting approximately 125,000 native seedlings, ensuring the land is ready for responsible stewardship.
This transfer signifies more than just land reclamation; it represents a profound cultural renewal for the Southern Sierra Miwuk. The tribe has been actively seeking federal recognition, and establishing a land base is crucial for strengthening their cultural continuity and governance.
Southern Sierra Miwuk leaders plan to implement traditional ecological practices, including prescribed burns and reforestation, to revitalize the oak woodlands and meadows of Henness Ridge. This initiative aims to restore culturally significant foods and medicinal plants, laying the groundwork for a thriving ecosystem.
The return of Henness Ridge also has critical implications for wildfire resilience and wildlife conservation. Observers note that Indigenous stewardship can enhance fire management, creating a buffer for both the park and the Merced River watershed. The ridge’s strategic location provides vital habitat connectivity between Yosemite National Park and the Sierra National Forest, a crucial factor in maintaining biodiversity.
The Southern Sierra Miwuk’s reclamation of this land is a powerful example of how tribal stewardship aligns with conservation goals, serving as a potential model for future land returns across California.
As the community mobilizes to restore Henness Ridge, this development underscores the importance of Indigenous rights and environmental stewardship in contemporary land management practices. The Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation is poised to turn this ancestral land into a flourishing center for cultural and ecological renewal.
Stay tuned as this story develops, highlighting the ongoing efforts of the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation to reclaim their heritage and restore their ancestral land.
