On August 20th, approximately 70 first year Forestry, Fire, and Rangeland Management Students from Cal Poly Humboldt took a field trip to Leavey Ranch. The students were guided by the Blue Lake Rancheria Tribal Environmental Protection Agency. This trip gave students an opportunity to gain insight and some real-world knowledge about their new areas of study. Many of these students were newly moved to Humboldt, and for many this was their first opportunity to interact with a local Tribe and learn more about the rich history of the area.
During the trip, the students rotated through three different groups. One group learned about vegetation management with Markus Koeneke, Cal Poly Humboldt Rangeland Management Principles Instructor. The next group learned about tree measuring with Alan Tepley, Cal Poly Humboldt Wildland Fire Science & Management Assistant Professor. The last group learned about the story of Blue Lake Rancheria’s Tribal government, the story of Leavey Ranch, and Blue Lake Rancheria’s goals and objectives for the ranch with Quentin Matilton, Blue Lake Rancheria Forestry Manager.
Originally Published: 9/26/2025