THE NEW OWNERS of the 10,274-acre property formerly known as Loyalton Ranch—now renamed the WélmeltiɁ Preserve—hosted a media day on April 1, offering a first look at their vision for the land. Representatives from the Waší·šiw Land Trust, the Washoe Tribal Council, and the Feather River Land Trust gathered to share plans centered on restoration, stewardship, and cultural renewal.
Chairman Serrell Smokey of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California welcomed attendees at a roadside access point off Highway 49, describing it as the most accessible corner of the vast property. Addressing public curiosity about the land’s future, Smokey spoke candidly about the challenges ahead. Picking up a discarded can as an example, he noted the widespread dumping and lack of management the land has experienced.
“This land hasn’t been cared for,” Smokey said, emphasizing that Washoe youth will play an active role in restoring and maintaining it.
He highlighted the property’s natural assets, particularly its water resources, which he said will support irrigation in Sierra Valley. The land is also rich in wildlife, with migration routes crossing through it and a neighboring preserve enhancing its ecological importance. Smokey stressed that efforts will be made to monitor poaching and prevent illegal hunting, adding that even gunfire poses wildfire risks.
Wildfire prevention is a key priority. Smokey referenced recent fires in Washoe ancestral lands that led to a state of emergency due to the loss of pinyon pine trees—an essential cultural and spiritual resource. “It is more than a food source,” he said. “It’s a spiritual connection.” He noted ongoing efforts to grow pinyon pine saplings for reforestation.
For generations, Washoe people actively managed
these lands, Smokey explained, but exclusion in recent history has led to overgrowth and ecological imbalance. With ownership restored, the tribe plans to resume traditional land management practices and hold ceremonies without disruption.
Serrell Smokey was elected as Chairman in 2018. He is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno. He has an educational background in Psychology, Business, and Tribal Law. Chairman Smokey is a Veteran, serving in the United States Army and the Nevada National Guard. He was deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2004) and Operation Spartan Shield (2016-2017).
Helen Fillmore, Board President of the Waší·šiw Land Trust, emphasized the importance of understanding the land’s current condition before implementing long-term plans. She noted that past mining, overgrazing, and dumping have all impacted the property, and careful assessment will guide future management decisions.
Fillmore brings extensive expertise to the role, with a background in environmental science, hydrology, and wildland fire. She has worked with both the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Land Management and has been involved in climate resilience and water resource outreach. She stressed that community involve-ment will be essential moving forward.
“We want to be good neighbors,” Fillmore said. “This isn’t just for us—it’s for everybody.” She also underscored the importance of revitalizing Washoe culture and language through this work.
The emotional significance of the land’s return was echoed by several board members with deep personal ties to Loyalton. Chairman Smokey shared that his great-grandmother Amy Washoe and her grandfather Mustache Tom had allotments along Long Valley Creek and trained horses for ranches in the Sierra Valley.
Vice President Bernadette DeLucchi reflected on her family’s history in the area, including her mother, Carmelita Evans DeLucchi, who lived at the “Old Indian Camp” above Loyalton and grew up running the hills of Loyalton and graduating from Loyalton High School in 1952. Bernadette was sorry her mom who passed in 2023 didn’t get to see this moment, but wanted to make sure those voices are heard. She added, “Even though they aren’t here, they are still here.”
Treasurer Wanda Enos Batchelor also shared her lifelong connection to the area. An enrolled member of the Washoe Tribe with Nisenan ancestry, she recalled visiting the land as a child with relatives to gather traditional foods and medicines, as well as spending time at nearby hot springs. Batchelor has been a leader in cultural and language revitalization, including publishing language resources and serving as the first female tribal leader of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.
She described the land acquisition as an opportunity for healing, education, and partnership. “We hope to educate, to respect, and to find balance in a cooperative manner,” she said, emphasizing a commitment to working with the broader community.
Washoe elder Marvin Sam, born in Loyalton in 1941, was also recognized during the event. Raised at the Old Indian Camp, he shared memories of growing up in the area and graduating from Loyalton High School in 1960 before building a long career in forestry and lumber. His presence underscored the living connection between past and present.
The creation of the WélmeltiɁ Preserve is the result of a multi-year collaboration between the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, the Feather River Land Trust, and the Northern Sierra Partnership. Funding for the acquisition came from the California Wildlife Conservation Board, along with contributions from private foundations and donors.
As stewardship of the land returns to Washoe leadership, the WélmeltiɁ Preserve stands as a symbol of restoration—of ecosystems, cultural traditions, and a long-standing relationship between people and place.
SIERRA COUNTY SUPERVISORS..........
SIERRA COUNTY ASSESSOR Laura Marshall received a Resolution of Appreciation and recognition of retirement during the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held April 7th in Downieville.
The Resolution states in part: From the moment she was sworn in as Sierra County’s 21st County Assessor, the Honorable Laura Marshall was ready to serve the people of Sierra County in the fair and equitable manner in which the California State Constitution provides for this office.
Upon her orginal appointment on June 16, 2009, and subsequent elections in 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022, always facing reelection unopposed, the Hon. Laura Marshall has served the people of Sierra County, not only as the elected assessor, but also as the county’s information technology manager (until she abruptly quit) and also as the county’s solid waste fee administrator (until she also abruptly quit).
Competent and professional beyond fiduciary reproach, the Hon. Laura Marshall operated the office of the county assessor in a manner that brought great praise from the California State Board of Equalization, as well as from her Northern California county peers who elected her as President of the Northern California Assessors’ Association.
Kind and fuzzy are not words to describe the Hon. Laura Marshall, especially while armed with a rifle and hunting license, she has announced her retirement plans to move to the state of Alaska and thereby give California wildlife a long-deserved break.
The Board of Supervisors, on behalf of the citizens of Sierra County, does express sincere thanks and appreciation and wishes her all best wishes and happiness in her retirement and in all future endeavors.
A RESOLUTION declaring April 2026 as “Child Abuse Prevention Month” was adopted unanimously during the Sierra County Board Supervisors’ meeting on April 7th in Downieville.
Executive Director for High Sierras Family Resource Center, Michael McMillan, presented on the 2025 Statewide Children’s Welfare Report Card. He reported California with 8,386,716 children 0-18 had 403,834 abuse allegations in 2025 with a rate of 1 allegation for every 20.8 children. Sierra County who has 485 children, had 14 abuse allegations with a rate of 1 allegation for every 34.8 children. McMillan said Sierra County is also significantly better than average compared with surrounding counties.
The Center is honoring the month with five different initiatives: They will be distributing pinwheels throughout the county; honoring Be the One Honorees: Darcy White and April Burns; Wear Blue Day on April 17th as a visual reminder; Children’s Memorial Day on April 23rd to recognize children who have been lost, primarily due to violence; and Family Fun Day on May 2nd in collaboration with Opening Day of Sierra Valley Little League.
Nichole Johnson, Editor
Sierra Booster Newspaper
[email protected]
(530) 277-0891
Chairman Serrell Smokey of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California welcomed attendees at a roadside access point off Highway 49, describing it as the most accessible corner of the vast property. Addressing public curiosity about the land’s future, Smokey spoke candidly about the challenges ahead. Picking up a discarded can as an example, he noted the widespread dumping and lack of management the land has experienced.
“This land hasn’t been cared for,” Smokey said, emphasizing that Washoe youth will play an active role in restoring and maintaining it.
He highlighted the property’s natural assets, particularly its water resources, which he said will support irrigation in Sierra Valley. The land is also rich in wildlife, with migration routes crossing through it and a neighboring preserve enhancing its ecological importance. Smokey stressed that efforts will be made to monitor poaching and prevent illegal hunting, adding that even gunfire poses wildfire risks.
Wildfire prevention is a key priority. Smokey referenced recent fires in Washoe ancestral lands that led to a state of emergency due to the loss of pinyon pine trees—an essential cultural and spiritual resource. “It is more than a food source,” he said. “It’s a spiritual connection.” He noted ongoing efforts to grow pinyon pine saplings for reforestation.
For generations, Washoe people actively managed
these lands, Smokey explained, but exclusion in recent history has led to overgrowth and ecological imbalance. With ownership restored, the tribe plans to resume traditional land management practices and hold ceremonies without disruption.
Serrell Smokey was elected as Chairman in 2018. He is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno. He has an educational background in Psychology, Business, and Tribal Law. Chairman Smokey is a Veteran, serving in the United States Army and the Nevada National Guard. He was deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2004) and Operation Spartan Shield (2016-2017).
Helen Fillmore, Board President of the Waší·šiw Land Trust, emphasized the importance of understanding the land’s current condition before implementing long-term plans. She noted that past mining, overgrazing, and dumping have all impacted the property, and careful assessment will guide future management decisions.
Fillmore brings extensive expertise to the role, with a background in environmental science, hydrology, and wildland fire. She has worked with both the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Land Management and has been involved in climate resilience and water resource outreach. She stressed that community involve-ment will be essential moving forward.
“We want to be good neighbors,” Fillmore said. “This isn’t just for us—it’s for everybody.” She also underscored the importance of revitalizing Washoe culture and language through this work.
The emotional significance of the land’s return was echoed by several board members with deep personal ties to Loyalton. Chairman Smokey shared that his great-grandmother Amy Washoe and her grandfather Mustache Tom had allotments along Long Valley Creek and trained horses for ranches in the Sierra Valley.
Vice President Bernadette DeLucchi reflected on her family’s history in the area, including her mother, Carmelita Evans DeLucchi, who lived at the “Old Indian Camp” above Loyalton and grew up running the hills of Loyalton and graduating from Loyalton High School in 1952. Bernadette was sorry her mom who passed in 2023 didn’t get to see this moment, but wanted to make sure those voices are heard. She added, “Even though they aren’t here, they are still here.”
Treasurer Wanda Enos Batchelor also shared her lifelong connection to the area. An enrolled member of the Washoe Tribe with Nisenan ancestry, she recalled visiting the land as a child with relatives to gather traditional foods and medicines, as well as spending time at nearby hot springs. Batchelor has been a leader in cultural and language revitalization, including publishing language resources and serving as the first female tribal leader of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.
She described the land acquisition as an opportunity for healing, education, and partnership. “We hope to educate, to respect, and to find balance in a cooperative manner,” she said, emphasizing a commitment to working with the broader community.
Washoe elder Marvin Sam, born in Loyalton in 1941, was also recognized during the event. Raised at the Old Indian Camp, he shared memories of growing up in the area and graduating from Loyalton High School in 1960 before building a long career in forestry and lumber. His presence underscored the living connection between past and present.
The creation of the WélmeltiɁ Preserve is the result of a multi-year collaboration between the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, the Feather River Land Trust, and the Northern Sierra Partnership. Funding for the acquisition came from the California Wildlife Conservation Board, along with contributions from private foundations and donors.
As stewardship of the land returns to Washoe leadership, the WélmeltiɁ Preserve stands as a symbol of restoration—of ecosystems, cultural traditions, and a long-standing relationship between people and place.
SIERRA COUNTY SUPERVISORS..........
SIERRA COUNTY ASSESSOR Laura Marshall received a Resolution of Appreciation and recognition of retirement during the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held April 7th in Downieville.
The Resolution states in part: From the moment she was sworn in as Sierra County’s 21st County Assessor, the Honorable Laura Marshall was ready to serve the people of Sierra County in the fair and equitable manner in which the California State Constitution provides for this office.
Upon her orginal appointment on June 16, 2009, and subsequent elections in 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022, always facing reelection unopposed, the Hon. Laura Marshall has served the people of Sierra County, not only as the elected assessor, but also as the county’s information technology manager (until she abruptly quit) and also as the county’s solid waste fee administrator (until she also abruptly quit).
Competent and professional beyond fiduciary reproach, the Hon. Laura Marshall operated the office of the county assessor in a manner that brought great praise from the California State Board of Equalization, as well as from her Northern California county peers who elected her as President of the Northern California Assessors’ Association.
Kind and fuzzy are not words to describe the Hon. Laura Marshall, especially while armed with a rifle and hunting license, she has announced her retirement plans to move to the state of Alaska and thereby give California wildlife a long-deserved break.
The Board of Supervisors, on behalf of the citizens of Sierra County, does express sincere thanks and appreciation and wishes her all best wishes and happiness in her retirement and in all future endeavors.
A RESOLUTION declaring April 2026 as “Child Abuse Prevention Month” was adopted unanimously during the Sierra County Board Supervisors’ meeting on April 7th in Downieville.
Executive Director for High Sierras Family Resource Center, Michael McMillan, presented on the 2025 Statewide Children’s Welfare Report Card. He reported California with 8,386,716 children 0-18 had 403,834 abuse allegations in 2025 with a rate of 1 allegation for every 20.8 children. Sierra County who has 485 children, had 14 abuse allegations with a rate of 1 allegation for every 34.8 children. McMillan said Sierra County is also significantly better than average compared with surrounding counties.
The Center is honoring the month with five different initiatives: They will be distributing pinwheels throughout the county; honoring Be the One Honorees: Darcy White and April Burns; Wear Blue Day on April 17th as a visual reminder; Children’s Memorial Day on April 23rd to recognize children who have been lost, primarily due to violence; and Family Fun Day on May 2nd in collaboration with Opening Day of Sierra Valley Little League.
Nichole Johnson, Editor
Sierra Booster Newspaper
[email protected]
(530) 277-0891
