Natural History Wanderings

California Department of Fish and Wildlife  News Release

After years of discussion, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will transfer 40+ acres of the historic Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery in Inyo County to the Fort Independence Indian Community, which is recognized as one distinct separate tribal government of the four Owens Valley Paiute Tribes. The Wildlife Conservation Board approved the no-cost transfer last week and will complete the transaction in early 2024. The transfer will mark CDFW’s first ever land return to a California Tribe.

“This act is momentous and aligns with many ambitions laid out for California by this Administration,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “It honors Governor Newsom’s Executive Order encouraging the transfer of excess lands to California Native American tribes and it is a Nature Based Solution that contributes to the goals of 30×30. I am proud to be a part of this transfer.”

Source: CDFW News | CDFW Takes Steps to Return Land to California Tribe