Yurok Tribe implements closure on tribal lands

The Yurok Tribe, as part of its state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has closed all tribal lands to non-residents.

Effective immediately, all Yurok Tribal lands, parks, preserves, beaches and boat launches, including all camping and overnight stays, are closed to non-residents.

“By eliminating additional visitors, we are limiting the exposure to our Tribal members and community,” tribe officials stated.

This decision has been made due to the recent recommendations by the CDC, Yurok Office of Emergency Services (YOES) and other government agencies, in the continued effort to slow the current COVID-19 Pandemic.

“The health and welfare of our Tribal members, residents and employees are our number one priority and we feel it is best for the community to remain closed until further notice,” officials stated.

There has been an influx of travelers and visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic and YOES determined that it was creating a public health risk in the community. The Yurok Tribe is encouraging the community to stay local, practice social distancing and limit essential purchases to once a week.

The closures comply with the Yurok Tribes Emergency Declaration issued, March 13.

“For community health and safety please respect the closures and stay home whenever possible,” officials stated. “We apologize for any inconvenience and we will notify the public with any updates on a tentative re-open date.”

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Serene Hayden, Incident Commander, at [email protected]. In the event of an emergency, call 911.

“The Yurok Tribe is committed to stopping the spread of COVID-19 and will increase enforcement and restrictions on tribal lands as needed, based on public health guidance,” officials stated.

“The leadership and many dedicated staff are tireless in their efforts to mitigate a very difficult situation. The Yurok Tribe is working to stay ahead of the curve and will be updating public messaging in the upriver and downriver communities, on the Tribe’s Facebook Page and local sandwich board notification stations.”