Del Norte supervisors approve opposition letter to AB 2356 after broad public comment; ask for facilitated local talks

The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve a letter of opposition to Assembly Bill 2356 and authorized Chair Borges to sign it, following hours of public comment and presentations about the measure’s implications for local access, conservation and tribal stewardship.

The item, brought by Chair Borges under the board’s legislative platform, calls attention to a lack of local outreach and raised concerns about how lands in question were acquired and whether bond or grant restrictions tied to past acquisitions could limit changes in ownership. Board members told the room they welcomed the bill’s tabling in Sacramento as an opportunity to pursue deliberate, locally led dialogue before any legislative finalization.

During the public-comment period, residents and business owners warned the transfer could create confusion about jurisdiction and public safety response if title moved into federal trust, and they urged guarantees of perpetual public access. Several speakers asked for clear mapping of affected acreage and voiced skepticism about whether existing grazing leases and recreational access would be preserved.

Tallahawadini Nation representatives countered that the measure (which the nation supports) would return stewardship to the tribe after long periods of state neglect and the nation’s representatives described conditions that would be recorded in the deed to protect conservation, cultural and public-access values. Rachel McCain, identified as the nation’s natural resource department director, said customary harvest by nation citizens would be managed under tribal law while fishing access and some jurisdictional activities would remain under state agencies where applicable. Troy Rolfson, the nation’s executive director, confirmed the bill has been postponed and said the tribe will pursue community outreach and education while the bill is off the legislative calendar.

Board members said the draft opposition letter and the public testimony together illustrate why the county needs a facilitated, inclusive process that includes all tribal voices, state agencies and affected local stakeholders. Supervisor Starkey and others emphasized the board’s objections focused on process, not necessarily on the end goal of correcting historic injustices.

The motion to approve the letter passed with five affirmative votes from the board. Chair Borges said the board remains open to working with the Tallahawadini Nation and state agencies on a community-driven path forward.

Next steps: the board authorized the chair to sign the letter and directed staff to pursue locally facilitated engagement while tracking any reintroduction of the bill in Sacramento.