There’s an interesting collaboration happening between Sonoma County’s parks department and a local tribe that runs a large casino in our area: The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Turns out they also run a public park. The Graton tribe is currently “co-managing” a giant, 3,400-acre hunk of nature called Tolay Lake Regional Park in the hills southeast of Petaluma, between the Petaluma River and Sonoma Valley — “a partnership thought to be the first of its kind in California between a local government and a federally recognized tribe,” according to county officials. And as the “the first major infrastructure project under this agreement,” they just started building a 1.5-acre gathering area near the park entrance on Cannon Lane — with “landscaping featuring plants of cultural significance to the Tribe” and “terraced seating and an open-air stage with views overlooking seasonal Tolay Lake and the park beyond.” The gathering area should open to the public by this fall. “This beautiful Coast Miwok landscape will provide a place for all people to celebrate events and learn about nature,” says a rep for Graton Rancheria. “We’re pleased to work with Sonoma County Parks to create an accessible gathering place that reflects our Native American traditions of sharing stories and meeting with our community.” And the head of county parks says: “Once the gathering area is complete, we encourage the community to join us for a guided program or a walk along the trails to deepen their connection with the land and its history. This area is designed as a place for everyone to gather, learn, celebrate and cultivate a collective responsibility for the park.” Here’s some more info from the Sonoma County government press release: “In keeping with the co-management agreement, the gathering area was co-designed with the Tribe, and pays homage to Tolay Lake as the Tribe’s sacred site. Once one of Sonoma County’s largest freshwater lakes and a destination for tribal ceremonies and healing, Tolay Lake and the surrounding land continue to be recognized for its cultural and ecological values. Construction of the gathering area kicks off the park’s multi-phase master plan implementation, aimed at developing interpretative facilities, restoring natural ecosystems and enhancing trails. Co-management embodies a collective commitment to honor the Tribe’s and Sonoma County’s heritage as well safeguarding its natural and cultural resources. During construction, the group picnic area, Cardoza Road Trail and a portion of West Ridge Trail will be closed, and equestrian parking is available in the main parking lot.” (Source: Sonoma County Regional Parks & Sonoma County Regional Parks & Sonoma County Government & Google Maps)
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