Ohlone Costanoan Esselen Nation Celebrates Return of 84-Acre Ancestral Land Parcel

Monterey Salinas, CA, September 27, 2026 —

The Ohlone Costanoan Esselen Nation has officially celebrated the transfer of an 84-acre parcel of land, identified as Tarpey Flats, located in proximity to the Monterey Regional Airport. This event signifies a notable reclamation of ancestral territory for the tribe, culminating years of dedicated efforts and negotiation.

The transaction was facilitated by the Big Sur Land Trust and received funding from the California Coastal Conservancy, enabling the land’s return to its original stewards. Tarpey Flats was previously designated for residential and commercial development projects. However, with this transfer, the land will now be managed and protected under the stewardship of the Ohlone Costanoan Esselen Nation.

This acquisition represents a significant milestone for the tribe, marking a return of territory that holds historical and cultural importance. The land’s new status under tribal stewardship replaces previous development plans, redirecting its future toward preservation and cultural continuity.

Details regarding the specific terms of the agreement beyond the acreage and involved organizations were not immediately available. The long-term plans for the Tarpey Flats parcel under the Ohlone Costanoan Esselen Nation’s stewardship are anticipated to be detailed by the tribe in the future.

Story summarized from the original created by Claudia Meléndez Salinas on voicesofmontereybay.org, see more information here.