- Details
- By Chez Oxendine
- Real Estate
Save the Redwoods League has transferred 125 acres in Orick, Calif., to the Yurok Tribe, establishing a tribally owned public gateway near Redwood National and State Parks and permanently protecting critical salmon habitat.
The land, once a degraded mill site, opened to the public Aug. 1 as the ‘O Rew Redwoods Gateway at the southern end of Redwood National and State Parks. Save the Redwoods League conveyed the property to the tribe on June 30.
“This project represents a truly just approach to the restoration of culturally important landscapes and tribal communities,” Yurok Chairman Joseph L. James said in a statement. “I hope it sets a national standard for collaboration between environmental protection groups and Tribal nations.”
Steve Mietz, president and CEO of Save the Redwoods League, said the restored site demonstrates the impact of shared stewardship.
The gateway features an information kiosk modeled after a traditional Yurok house, interpretive exhibits, ADA-accessible trails and a new segment of the California Coastal Trail. The tribe plans to add a cultural center and traditional village.
The restoration replaced mill infrastructure with a braided stream channel, wetlands and upland habitat. Nearly a half‑million native plants were installed, and endangered juvenile coho salmon and other wildlife are already using the site.
California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot said the project highlights the strength of tribal-led conservation.
“The return of 'O Rew is a powerful example of what's possible when conservation is guided by tribal leadership,” Crowfoot said.
The acquisition continues a series of major land returns to the Yurok Tribe. Last year, the tribe completed California's largest land-back deal, acquiring more than 47,000 acres along the Klamath River through a partnership with Western Rivers Conservancy.
