BLM acquires Lost Coast Redwoods property in northern California
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management has acquired the Lost Coast Redwoods property from Save the Redwoods League ensuring lasting protections of approximately 4,500 acres along eight miles of California coastline. Conservation of the Lost Coast Redwoods benefits coastal wildlife and future public access. Funded by the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, Save the Redwoods League, and the State of California’s Wildlife Conservation Board and Coastal Conservancy, the acquisition includes a diverse ecosystem of old- and second-growth redwoods in northern Mendocino County and builds on decades of work that has now protected over 53 miles of the coastline.
“Putting eight miles of gorgeous coastline and redwood forests into public ownership is a remarkable gift to the public and future generations,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. ”Thanks to our partnership with Save the Redwoods League and the State of California, the Lost Coast Redwoods will now be managed in cooperation with Tribes and protected. We’re grateful to everyone who worked so hard on making this acquisition possible.”
The future management of the Lost Coast Redwoods is supported by the Lost Coast Redwoods Sustainable Stewardship Endowment established through a $2 million donation from Save the Redwoods League, made possible through the Foundation for America’s Public Lands, the official charitable partner of the BLM. The endowment establishes a sustained source of funding available to the BLM for stewardship, public access, tribal engagement and in support of long-term conservation for Lost Coast Redwoods.
Much of the region was in active timber production since the 1880s. Save the Redwoods League started to purchase portions of the property in 2008 and completed the entire acquisition in December 2021. The League has been actively working on restoration and public access projects on the property for over a decade. The Bureau looks forward to continuing stewardship of the property with Tribal partners.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund was permanently authorized in 2019. In 2020, Congress passed the Great American Outdoors Act, providing $900 million in Land and Water Conservation Fund funding annually. Congress allocates this funding to the BLM, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and state and local governments.
The Foundation for America’s Public Lands was chartered by Congress in 2017 and officially formed in 2022. The Foundation operates and raises private funds to help raise awareness, increase access, and inspire stewardship of more than 245 million acres of U.S. public lands and waters.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.