California Transportation Commission Approves Land Transfer of Blues Beach

Blues Beach photos courtesy of Caltrans

Press release from Caltrans District 1:

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) on Friday, June 26 approved the land transfer of Blues Beach, marking a significant milestone.

For the first time in California’s history, state-owned land managed by Caltrans has been transferred to Kai Poma, a nonprofit established by three local Native American tribes with ancestral ties to the region. 

Through legislation from Senator Mike McGuire’s office, Caltrans District 1 collaborated with Kai Poma, founded by representatives of the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Round Valley Indian Tribes, and Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, to facilitate the transfer of Blues Beach near Westport in Mendocino County. 

During this interim period, in cooperation with Kai Poma and the California Coastal Commission, Caltrans will be closing the beach to vehicle access. Pedestrian access will remain available. Once transferred, Kai Poma will own and maintain the 136-acre site and protect sensitive natural resources and Native American cultural resources.  

Blues Beach photos courtesy of Caltrans