The nonprofit Esselen Tribe of Monterey County purchased 1,720 acres along Tularcitos Creek in Upper Carmel Valley, Calif. for $8.6 million on July 18, preventing the land’s subdivision into luxury estates.  

The tribal land acquisition was fully funded by California state agencies, with the Wildlife Conservation Board providing $6.6 million and the State Coastal Conservancy contributing $2 million for the acquisition. The Wildlands Conservancy held the property since 2023 as an interim owner to facilitate the purchase... State Sen. John Laird said the project demonstrates cooperation between state agencies, conservation partners and tribal nations to protect significant landscapes.

Read the full article here: Esselen Tribe reclaims 1,720 acres in $8.6M state-funded deal