Tribal Relations
The staff of the Cleveland National Forest are honored to manage lands and waters that the ancestors of modern Tribes, Bands and Nations have actively managed since time immemorial. The descendent communities (Acjachemen, Juaneño, Cahuilla, Qawishpa Cahuillangnah, Cupeño, Kuupangaxwichem, Luiseño, Payómkawichum, ‘Atáaxum, Diegeño, Kumeyaay, Iipay, Tipay, Kwaaymii, Tongva, Kizh, Gabrieleno, Gabrielino) continue to live in the area and utilize their ancestral homelands, accessing the resources of their ancestors for a myriad of needs.
The responsible management of the archaeological, historic and Tribal resources found within the Cleveland National Forest is critical to understanding our collective past. These non-renewable resources are fragile and are constantly at risk from human threats (such as theft and vandalism) as well as natural processes (such as erosion and wildfire).
Learn more about the Tribes, Bands and Nations in the area you are visiting, as their deep connection to the lands and waters of this region is likely different from yours. Understanding the importance of these areas will help you demonstrate proper respect while you are experiencing these special places.
Traditional Use
The Forest Service continues a long tradition of managing the resources of the area that is now known as the Cleveland National Forest. The descendants of the people who managed these lands for generations continue to live in the area and use the resources of the Forest for traditional purposes. These purposes include, among other things: food, tools, medicines, and ceremonial items. The Forest Service supports the ongoing access and free-use by descendent communities of these important resources for non-commercial purposes.
Know before you go: The Cleveland participates in the Adventure Pass system. Adventure Passes are required for parking within developed areas (i.e. those with facilities).
Tribal members interested in gathering resources from the Cleveland National Forest within developed areas can contact the CNF Tribal Relations Program Manager or local Ranger District office for information on how to do so without purchasing an Adventure Pass. For gathering outside developed recreation areas Tribal Members do not need a permit for gathering for non-commercial use but do need to keep vehicles within 1 car-length of system roads.
More information on traditional gathering on NFS or BLM managed lands in California.
For More information on Forest Service Tribal Relations:
- WO Office of Tribal Relations
- Tribal Connections Map viewer (best on Chrome or Not Windows Explorer)
For more information on the Tribes, Bands and Nations that work with the Cleveland National Forest:
- Native Land Map
- Native American Heritage Commission Digital Atlas of California Native Americans
Visit these sites to learn more:
Digital Atlas of California Native Americans
Native Land Map, an app to help map Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages.
Tribal Connections Map viewer
U.S. Forest Service Office of Tribal Relations
Pacific Southwest Region Tribal Relations
Indigenous American Nations, 16th century - 2022 edition
Southern California Tribal Chairmen's Association (SCTCA)- Latest news, programs, and events happening in Southern California.