Waší·šiw Land Trust Acquires 10,274 Acres North of Lake Tahoe in Historic Land Back Purchase

Landmark acquisition returns ecologically significant Washoe homelands to tribal ownership; additional funds needed for permanent stewardship and future Land Back efforts

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Waší·šiw Land Trust has completed the purchase of a 10,274-acre property in the Washoe tribal homelands northeast of Lake Tahoe and roughly 20 miles north of Reno. The new WélmeltiɁ Preserve encompasses a vast and ecologically significant landscape recognized for its exceptional wildlife habitat. The purchase was made possible by a $5.5 million grant from California Wildlife Conservation Board and private donations, and represents the largest tribal land return ever completed in the Sierra Nevada and the third largest in California.

Why it matters

This acquisition returns ancestral Washoe lands to tribal ownership and stewardship, allowing the Washoe Tribe to conserve, restore, and reinstate traditional cultural practices on the land. It is a significant step in the Tribal Council's vision to repatriate land across the Washoe homelands in the Sierra Nevada.

The details

The WélmeltiɁ Preserve is bordered by public lands and spans a rich mosaic of wildlife habitat, including sagebrush scrub, grasslands, conifer forests, aspen groves, mountain meadows, pine and juniper woodlands, springs, and perennial creeks. The land supports plants of cultural importance to the Washoe people, such as pinyon pine, and is home to pronghorn, mule deer, mountain lion, and gray wolf. The Washoe Tribe plans to manage the preserve for conservation, restoration, cultural practices, habitat management, and educational opportunities.

  • The Waší·šiw Land Trust completed the purchase on February 11, 2026.
  • The Tribal Council of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California formed the Waší·šiw Land Trust in 2025.

The players

Waší·šiw Land Trust

A Washoe-led nonprofit dedicated to returning ancestral lands to the Washoe People of Nevada and California.

Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California

The indigenous tribe whose ancestral homelands include the area north of Lake Tahoe where the WélmeltiɁ Preserve is located.

Northern Sierra Partnership

A collaborative initiative working to conserve, restore, and expand opportunities to enjoy the natural landscapes of the Northern Sierra Nevada.

Feather River Land Trust

A land trust that conserves the lands and waters of the Feather River region and stewards their ecological, cultural, and educational values.

Wildlife Conservation Board

A California state agency that protects, restores and enhances the state's natural resources for wildlife and public use and enjoyment.

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What they’re saying

“Wá∙šiw people were first forcefully removed from these lands. Secondly, individual allotments were stolen. Then we were told we could no longer use the land for resources, or ceremony. Since that time the land has been calling us back, and we are answering that call. This land purchase is good medicine for our people. This is a small start to healing from generations of historical trauma, and the benefits will go on for many generations to come.”

— Serrell Smokey, Washoe Tribe chairman (placersentinel.com)

“It is exciting to know that the Washoe people will be caring for this spectacular landscape going forward. It has truly been an honor to work with the Washoe Tribe and our partners at the Feather River Land Trust on this historic land back project.”

— Lucy Blake, President, Northern Sierra Partnership (placersentinel.com)

“We are privileged to play our part in conserving this vast landscape and helping the Washoe people launch their new land trust. We look forward to continuing collaboration with the Waší·šiw Land Trust for many years to come.”

— Corey Pargee, Executive Director, Feather River Land Trust (placersentinel.com)

“We are proud to support the return of the WélmeltiɁ Preserve to Washoe ownership and care. This project reflects WCB's long-standing commitment to conservation, partnership and tribal stewardship.”

— Jennifer Norris, Executive Director, Wildlife Conservation Board (placersentinel.com)

What’s next

The Waší·šiw Land Trust is working to raise an additional $2 million to kickstart its operations and invest in future restoration and stewardship of the WélmeltiɁ Preserve. The land trust also hopes to complete several more acquisitions in the northern Washoe homelands north of Lake Tahoe.

The takeaway

This historic land back purchase represents a significant step in the Washoe Tribe's efforts to repatriate its ancestral lands and restore its connection to the natural and cultural resources of the Sierra Nevada. It sets an important precedent for tribal land sovereignty and demonstrates the power of collaborative conservation efforts between tribes, land trusts, and government agencies.