Indigenous tribes advocate for co-management of sacred lands

Indigenous tribes in northern California seek greater decision-making power over sacred lands recently protected by a national monument expansion.

Taylar Dawn Stagner reports for Grist.

In short:

• The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and allies have successfully lobbied to include Molok Luyuk in the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, protecting it from wind farm development.
• Tribes are negotiating a co-stewardship agreement with federal agencies, aiming for stronger management roles over Molok Luyuk, though full co-management requires congressional approval.
• True co-management, as seen in Bears Ears National Monument, grants tribes significant decision-making power, integrating traditional knowledge into federal land management.

Key quote:

“Co-management means decision-making authority. Co-stewardship means one entity still has the decision-making authority.”

— Melissa Hovey, Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument manager.

Why this matters:

Empowering Indigenous tribes in land management enhances conservation efforts and acknowledges their traditional ecological knowledge while honoring sacred sites. Read more: Giving Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante the protection they deserve.