Esselen Tribe Reclaims Ancestral Land, Preserving Critical Ecosystem Along Little Sur River

The Esselen Tribe of Monterey County has received ownership of the 327-acre Pico Blanco property, a significant ecological and cultural landscape along the Little Sur River. This conservation effort, facilitated by Western Rivers Conservancy and funded by the Wildlife Conservation Board, represents a critical milestone in environmental preservation and Indigenous land restoration.

The property holds profound spiritual importance for the Esselen Tribe, situated at the base of a mountain they call Pixchi, which is considered the "Center of the Esselen World." Beyond its cultural significance, the land encompasses 1.3 miles of the Little Sur River and contains one of the largest old-growth redwood stands on California's Central Coast.

Ecologically, the land provides crucial habitat for numerous endangered species, including the California condor, California red-legged frog, and the threatened South-Central California Coast steelhead. The Little Sur River is recognized as the region's most pristine spawning stream for these imperiled fish populations.

This land transfer is part of a broader conservation strategy by Western Rivers Conservancy, which previously conveyed the 1,199-acre Adler Ranch to the Tribe in 2020. Together, these properties conserve 2.3 miles of vital habitat, demonstrating a collaborative approach to environmental protection that centers Indigenous stewardship.

Tribal Chairman Tom Little Bear Nason emphasized the profound meaning of reconnecting with ancestral lands, highlighting the opportunity for tribal members to restore their relationship with the river and ancient redwoods. The partnership between Western Rivers Conservancy, the Wildlife Conservation Board, and the Esselen Tribe exemplifies a progressive model of land conservation that respects both ecological integrity and cultural heritage.

The Pico Blanco property, formerly part of a Boy Scouts camp and once owned by William Randolph Hearst, now represents a testament to collaborative conservation efforts that prioritize environmental protection and Indigenous land rights.

By returning these lands to the Esselen Tribe, the conservation project ensures long-term protection of a unique and fragile ecosystem while supporting the cultural resilience of an Indigenous community deeply connected to the landscape.