Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis Joins Historic Tribal Co-Management Announcement and Tours Rincon Island 

 

For Immediate Release
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Contact: Press@ltg.ca.gov, (916) 445-8994

 

SANTA BARBARA – Today, Lieutenant Governor and State Lands Commissioner Eleni Kounalakis joined members of the Commission and the Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation in Santa Barbara to announce an unprecedented commitment to pursue co-management of Rincon Island – land formerly used for offshore oil and gas development. This landmark agreement marks the first time the Commission has formally partnered with a Native American tribe to support shared stewardship, advancing California’s ambitious 30×30 initiative to conserve 30 percent of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. The Commission also certified the Environmental Impact Report to decommission the former oil and gas facilities. 

During her visit, Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis toured Rincon Island, located just half a mile off one of California’s most scenic coastlines in Ventura County. Once a hub of oil and gas operations, all oil wells on Rincon Island have been safely plugged and abandoned, presenting a unique opportunity for restoration and preservation under the guidance of some of its original stewards. The tour highlighted the island’s current state and underscored the potential for this land to be repurposed and preserved for future generations. 

“It is profoundly moving to witness this historic agreement come to life,” said Lieutenant Governor and Chair Eleni Kounalakis. “The commission’s partnership with the Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation is not just about managing land—it’s about honoring the deep, enduring connection that the Chumash people have with this land. The tour of Rincon island was an opportunity to reflect on California’s Native American Tribes and the vital role they play in our shared environmental future. Together, we are setting a powerful precedent for collaborative stewardship that respects and revitalizes our natural and cultural heritage.”

The agreement announced today formalizes the commitment to pursue a co-management and co-stewardship framework for Rincon Island and the surrounding areas. This partnership offers a significant step forward in repurposing the land for cultural, educational, and conservation purposes while reinforcing California’s commitment to environmental justice and tribal sovereignty.  

Link for more information about the announcement.   

 

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: 

 

State Controller and Commission Chair Malia M. Cohen 

“It is profoundly gratifying to see this agreement and the Rincon decommissioning project Environmental Impact Report come to fruition. An important element of 30×30 is to establish collaborative partnerships and voluntary actions with California Native American tribes. They are the original stewards of these lands, and together, we can deliver multi-benefit conservation solutions.” 

 

Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation Chair Gabriel Frausto 

“Having an opportunity to access our sacred lands supports our efforts of cultural revitalization, restores our historical practices, and reinforces our tribal sustainability and sovereignty. It is an honor to continue to work with state and local agencies on this endeavor, creating a model of community for future generations.”