We’re pleased to share the following media release from the Blue Lake Rancheria.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2025
Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe Gains Stewardship of Leavey Ranch: Advancing Agriculture, Education, and Cultural Preservation
Blue Lake, CA – The Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe (BLR) is honored to assume stewardship of Leavey Ranch, a historic 240-acre property adjacent to BLR Tribal lands. As the ancestral home of the Wiyot people, this land return marks a vital step in correcting historical injustices and ensuring sustainable land management for future generations.
Jim Leavey established the Joseph J. Leavey, Jr. Revocable Trust in 2007, granting his estate to the Humboldt Area Foundation, which has overseen its management since 2014. The recent transfer of Leavey Ranch to Blue Lake Rancheria followed a rigorous Request for Proposal process facilitated by the Humboldt Area Foundation + Wild Rivers Community Foundation, ensuring the selection was based on merit and aligned with Mr. Leavey’s intent to support agriculture, ecological preservation, and education.
The Leavey Ranch was purchased in 1912 by Michael Leavey as part of the family’s dairy operation. The Leavey family played a significant role in shaping the West End and wider agricultural community through their land stewardship and civic engagement. Jim Leavey — Michael’s grandson — continued in this tradition through his own conservation work.
In honoring the intent of Mr. Leavey, the Tribe will continue to maintain Leavey Ranch as a working cattle ranch while integrating the property into its Food Sovereignty Program. This initiative will enhance the production of traditional and fresh foods, supporting elders, children, and underserved communities.
A continued partnership with Cal Poly Humboldt will drive ongoing research in regenerative agriculture and ecological monitoring. Meanwhile, Blue Lake Rancheria will create immersive learning experiences centered on Traditional Ecological Knowledge, wildlife conservation, and sustainable land management practices.
The Tribe will prohibit all non-agricultural commercial development on Leavey Ranch, protecting its ecological and cultural significance. Future efforts will focus on land restoration and climate resilience by implementing carbon sequestration, agroforestry, and indigenous land management. This approach will help restore the landscape while ensuring long-term sustainability.
Since its federal reinstatement in 1983, the Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe has built nationally recognized initiatives in climate resilience, renewable energy, and food sovereignty. With its proximity to Leavey Ranch and decades of sustainable land management experience, the Tribe is uniquely positioned to uphold the agricultural legacy of the property while advancing environmental and cultural sustainability. Blue Lake Rancheria is eager to collaborate with the Humboldt Area Foundation + Wild Rivers Community Foundation, Cal Poly Humboldt, College of the Redwoods, and other regional and Tribal organizations to maximize Leavey Ranch’s potential, ensuring lasting benefits for the region that aligns with Mr. Leavey’s wishes.
“Stewarding Leavey Ranch is both an honor and a responsibility, and we are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us to uphold its legacy. This land represents an opportunity to strengthen sustainable agriculture, expand educational programs, and enhance ecological preservation for future generations. Through collaboration and careful stewardship, we look forward to ensuring that Leavey Ranch remains a thriving resource for the community and a model for regenerative land management.” – Jason Ramos, Tribal Chairperson, Blue Lake Rancheria
“The transfer of the Leavey Ranch marks a new chapter for this special place, one in which we are proud to have played a role. Jim Leavey felt strongly that the ranch should not be developed and that it should provide opportunities for conservation and education. Blue Lake Rancheria shares that vision, and it’s exciting to see the work that has already begun in honoring his intent. The Rancheria and HAF+WRCF have shared goals and values, particularly in their desire to strengthen food sovereignty and disaster resilience, to restore Indigenous ownership, access, and management of land, and to include the input and leadership of community partners. We look forward to seeing what comes next.” – Sara Dronkers, Chief Operating Officer, Humboldt Area Foundation+Wild Rivers Community Foundation
Blue Lake Rancheria would like to thank our West End neighbors and Humboldt Area Foundation + Wild Rivers Community Foundation for their invaluable support in making this land return possible. Looking ahead, the Tribe is excited to collaborate with partners to ensure the long-term sustainability of the property. Although Leavey Ranch is not open for public access, those interested in partnership opportunities are encouraged to contact: TEPA@bluelakerancheria-nsn.gov
Media Contact:
Tori Ramos Brown
tramos@bluelakerancheria-nsn.gov
(707) 273-7728