Environmental Department

Since time immemorial, we have tended the land, protected plant and animal species, and preserved ecological balance. As we move into the future, we carry forward our heritage of environmental stewardship while actively investing in new technologies that contribute to a healthier planet.

Sustainability in the ways we use water, land, energy and air stems from our traditions. To us, sustainability is not a new idea, and we continue to believe sustainability is critical to the future of our families and the local communities.

Some Notable Partnerships & Awards 

Molok Luyuk “Condor Ridge” 

Expansion of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument by 3,900 acres on the border of Lake and Colusa counties, creating a long-needed partnership between California tribes and the federal government to manage Molok Luyuk, a place of profound natural beauty and deep cultural significance.

Glen Cove, Vallejo

A project to restore native species and landscapes within Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation’s ancestral territory. Along with our sister Patwin tribe, Kletsel Dehe, we negotiated an unprecedented cultural easement with the City of Vallejo and the Greater Vallejo Recreation District to enable us to protect this sacred waterfront where our people once gathered. Since then, Yocha Dehe has partnered with the Solano Resource Conservation District to rehabilitate the Glen Cove Waterfront Park. 

Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi “Southern Rock Home”

In partnership with Solano Land Trust, a project that preserves 1,500 acres of volcanically formed hills and majestic oaks as an open-space park outside of Fairfield 

Center for Land-Based Learning, Woodland

Multiple projects over time, including the Student and Landowner Education and Watershed Stewardship program to educate the next generation about the benefits and uses of native plants

Cache Creek Conservancy

Partners for riparian invasive weed control and re-vegetation on Cache Creek

Breathe California

Clean Air Champions award in the Sustainability category, 2012

California Certified Organic Farm

In October 2009, 250 acres of Yocha Dehe’s farming operations were certified organic

State of California

Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award, 2003

Trane

California Trane High-Performance Building Showcase Award for Thermal Energy Storage System, 2010

U.S. Green Building Council

LEED-Silver certification for the clubhouse at the Yocha Dehe Golf Club, 2009

LEED-Platinum certification for the Tribe’s Maintenance and Operations Building, 2012

Waste Management

Recycling Star, 2006

WateReuse Association

Project of the Year Award for the Cache Creek Desalination Facility, 2009

Yolo County Resource Conservation District

Partners on the Yolo County Fire Safe Council and various projects to remove invasive weeds and revegetate with native plants along the Cache Creek corridor. Native plants provide important wildlife habitat and can reduce flood and wildfire risks compared to invasive plant species.