In the 1850s, settlers from around the world poured into California to seek their fortunes during the Gold Rush. The Washoe people, who had lived around Lake Tahoe for thousands of years, were pushed out.
Farming, logging and mining took over their traditional territory in the Sierra Nevada, leading at times to violent conflicts. Now, 175 years later, the tribe is getting some of its land back.
In a deal that was scheduled to close late Tuesday, the Northern Sierra Partnership, an environmental group based in San Francisco, has helped the tribe purchase 10,274 acres north of Lake Tahoe from the city of Santa Clara for $6 million.
The land, which is home to herds of pronghorn antelope, mountain lions, wolves, mule deer and groves of aspen trees, was originally planned for geothermal development when Santa Clara city leaders bought it nearly 50 years ago. But that never panned out. Two years ago, the city decided to sell the property which is roughly the same land area as the entire city of Santa Clara, but is located in one of the most remote parts of the state…