Puvungna

What work is being done and why?

The university is removing overgrown brush and weeds, hand-shaping earthen berms, removing Visqueen plastic under two berms, and planting native shrubs, grasses, and flowers. This maintenance work will stabilize soils stored on the site in and before 2019 and blend them into the existing landscape. These actions are necessary to prevent stormwater issues, ensure public safety, and minimize further disruption to the site.

Why is this work permitted, and were tribes consulted?

This work is consistent with the land’s current restrictive covenant entered into by the University to preserve this asset for the public good. The work is also part of an agreement with the State Historic Preservation Officer and after consultation with the Native American tribes identified by the State of California. The work plan was shared in 2021 with all eight tribes on our campus's consultation list as provided by the Native American Heritage Commission. In 2022, the State Historic Preservation Officer and multiple tribes who chose to consult concurred with the university proceeding with this work. Tribal representatives were provided detailed information on the work that at the time was slated for April 2023 and is now underway. 

What were the results of tribal consultation?

Individual matters discussed during tribal consultation are confidential as provided by law. Several comments were received as part of this consultation process and incorporated into the plan where feasible. Each designated tribe was provided multiple opportunities to consult, and of those who chose to respond, a majority supported the implementation of the Treatment Plan, as concurred by the State Historic Preservation Officer. 

What safeguards are in place during this work?

Most of this work will be done with hand tools, with the only machinery limited to one Bobcat-type loader. A Native American site monitor and campus project inspector are on site at the location of this work. All workers have received training specific to working on and around sites sacred to native peoples.

Are there protections for this land?

A restrictive covenant for this land was established in Fall 2021 to protect Puvungna in perpetuity. Construction of new structures or parking lots, storage of materials or equipment, and operation of recreational vehicles or heavy machinery are among the activities prohibited on the site. The university is now seeking proposals from prospective conservation easement managers as a future protective measure for Puvungna. This manager organization will oversee the parcel in perpetuity, with land-maintenance operations funded through the investment income of an endowment, also managed by the selected organization.