YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash. – Washington state land trust Forterra and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation (“Yakama Nation”) have completed the purchase and transfer of a 180-acre property known as “Frog’s Home” along the Yakima River. This multi-year partnership resulted in the return of the ecologically and culturally significant site to Yakama Nation.
Frog’s Home, located south of Union Gap, WA, is a location of traditional and cultural history – a site woven into Yakama Nation’s oral teachings. It is home to vital salmon habitat, wintering waterfowl, and rich riparian systems. Returning this land to Yakama Nation restores tribal access to the location and its resources – creating potential for cultural and ecological renewal for the tribe.
“The return of an important site to the Yakama Nation is a notable step towards tribal sovereignty. Forterra taking the risks on behalf of this land transfer, rallying behind this project until the end, is admirable and appreciated by the Yakama Nation,” said Caseymac Wallahee, Yakama Nation Tribal Council Culture Committee Chairman. “A lot of work and care went into this project by all partners involved, and Yakama Nation will continue to preserve and protect this resource for generations to come.”
In 2023, Forterra provided the initial $1.3 million in interim debt financing and related costs to pull Frog’s Home off the open market; this allowed time for collaborative fundraising and project planning. Since then, Yakama Nation and Forterra raised over $2 million dollars.
“Forterra is honored to be a part of the return of these sacred ancestral lands to the stewardship of the Yakama Nation,” said Forterra President and CEO Michelle Connor. “This effort reflects years of trust-building, shared vision, and the grit it takes to see a complex project through. It’s also a powerful example of what happens when public, private, and tribal partners come together to do the right thing.”
The Frog’s Home success was made possible by a wide range of supporters. Forterra and the Yakama Nation extend appreciation to all supporters from financial contributions to expert guidance that secured this land transaction.
“We are honored to have played a small role in something with such lasting impact and thrilled the Yakama Nation has regained ownership of this land. Their plan offers wonderful educational opportunities and will attract people here to experience it,” said Yakima Valley Community Foundation President and CEO Sharon Miracle.
FUNDING INFORMATION
The financing for this property transaction was provided by The Commerce Bank of Washington and secured with the help of four anonymous guarantors. The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (“RCO”) provided a $1.4 million grant and invaluable help navigating the complexities of the deal. Supporters include, but are not limited to:
| Ellen Ferguson | Heritage University |
| Stokes Lawrence | Washington Holdings |
| Yakima Chief Hops | Yakima Valley Community Foundation |
| Yakima County Commissioners | Bureau of Reclamation |
| Burlington Northern Santa Fe | Yakima County Commissioners |
| Kittitas Reclamation District | Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife |
| Native Americans in Philanthropy | United States Senator Patty Murray |
| The Mellon Foundation |
Yakama Nation has secured additional funding through RCO and the Mellon Foundation’s Humanities in Place Grant to begin restoration work, develop an interpretive trail, and design a language and cultural center. More information will follow.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Yakama Nation
Star Diavolikis, Yakama Nation Public Information Officer
Star_Diavolikis@yakama.com; (509) 830-6698
Forterra
Sandi Peck, Forterra Vice President, Communications
Speck@forterra.org; (360) 870-1038
