In a significant and heartening move towards restoring indigenous stewardship of the land, the Big Sur Land Trust has successfully returned an 84-acre parcel, rich in wetlands and natural resources, to the Ohlone/Costanoan-Esselen Nation (OCEN). This transfer, which took place following the nonprofit’s acquisition of the land for $2.75 million in 2024, marks a pivotal moment for the tribe, which has long sought to reclaim its ancestral heritage and establish a permanent presence in Monterey County.
Known as the Hiss Parcel, the land is strategically located near Highway 68 and the Monterey Regional Airport, serving not only as a vital ecological corridor connecting protected areas like Fort Ord National Monument and Jacks Peak County Park but also as a crucial habitat for diverse wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and black bears. Jeannette Tuitele-Lewis, the CEO of the Big Sur Land Trust, emphasized the importance of this acquisition in a 2024 press release, stating, “The conservation values of this acquisition are substantial. By preventing potential development, we are protecting important habitats that are part of a valuable wildlife corridor.”
Rachel Saunders, the Vice President of Conservation for the Big Sur Land Trust, highlighted the cultural significance of the land for the OCEN, noting, “The tribe is really interested in being able to celebrate their culture here and to provide a gathering space for their people.” This sentiment reverberates with the historical context of OCEN, a non-federally recognized tribe that has lived in the region for thousands of years, long before Spanish colonization disrupted their ancestral ties to the land.
The transfer of the Hiss Parcel is part of a broader trend in California, where efforts to return land to indigenous tribes have gained momentum. Just months prior, California state authorities approved the return of 136 acres of coastal land, including the scenic Blues Beach in Mendocino County, to a coalition of three tribes: the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, the Round Valley Indian Tribes, and the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians. These actions signal a growing recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples and their deep-rooted connections to the land, which are often overlooked in contemporary land use discussions.
The restoration of land to tribes like OCEN is not merely a symbolic gesture; it is a crucial step in addressing historical injustices and fostering a sustainable future. Research has shown that indigenous management practices often lead to enhanced biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, making their stewardship vital in the face of climate change. A study published in *Nature sustainability* in 2022 highlighted that areas managed by indigenous peoples tend to exhibit less deforestation and greater biodiversity compared to those governed by conventional land-use policies.
As OCEN embarks on the stewardship of the Hiss Parcel, they are not just reclaiming land; they are reclaiming their identity, culture, and a space to gather and celebrate their heritage. This transformative venture is a reminder of the essential role that land plays in the cultural fabric of indigenous communities and the importance of restoring their rights to manage it. The future of the Hiss Parcel, now in the hands of the Ohlone/Costanoan-Esselen Nation, promises to be a vibrant testament to resilience and a renewed commitment to the land that has always been theirs.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research
