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:

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

ABOUT YAKAMA NATION
The Yakama Nation is a federally recognized, sovereign Native Nation and signatory to the Treaty with the Yakamas, dated June 9, 1855, 12 Stat. 951 (“Treaty of 1855”). Pursuant to the Treaty of 1855, the Yakama Nation reserved roughly 1.4 million acres of land for its exclusive use and benefit as a permanent homeland in what is now the State of Washington, while ceding certain rights to over 10 million acres of land to the United States known as the “Treaty Territory.” The Yakama Nation’s Treaty Territory encompasses roughly one third of Washington State. 

Pursuant to the Treaty of 1855, the Yakama Nation reserved certain rights throughout its Treaty Territory including, without limitation, fishing, hunting, gathering and ceremonial rights. The Yakama Nation’s ancestors have stewarded the lands and waters of the Columbia River Basin and Pacific Northwest since time immemorial. Today, the Yakama Nation is a leading proponent of habitat conservation and restoration projects in Washington State. Between 2008 and 2020, the Yakama Nation protected or improved 12,264 acres of wetland habitat and 1,483 miles of stream and riparian habitat. More information can be found at Yakama.com and YakamaStrong.com.

ABOUT FORTERRA
Forterra is an unconventional land trust that works across Washington’s communities and landscapes, from the ranches and shrub-steppe of eastern and central Washington to the estuaries, farms, and forests of Washington’s coast, reaching more than 100 counties, cities, towns, and rural communities. The Frog’s Home initiative is an excellent example of Forterra’s mission in action. The synergy of partnerships, grant funding, and generous donations make it possible to pursue projects like Frog’s Home. For nearly 36 years, we’ve innovated and scaled land-based solutions to address the climate crisis, conserve and care for wild and working lands, and support equitable, green and prosperous communities. Visit Forterra.org.