Robinson Rancheria Environmental Center

Established in 1996 with support from the U.S. EPA General Assistance Program (GAP), the Robinson Rancheria Environmental Center builds the Tribe’s long-term environmental capacity. GAP funding supports planning, staffing, and development of sustainable environmental programs that promote a healthy, safe, and clean community.

Each year, the Tribe submits a GAP grant application, budget, and work plan guided by the joint EPA-Tribal Environmental Plan (ETEP). The ETEP aligns short- and long-term environmental priorities and is reviewed annually with the EPA.

Current ETEP Priorities:
Water Quality • Air Quality • Solid Waste • Pesticide Management • Hazardous Waste • Core Capacity Building

Programs and Partnerships

Environmental Center
The Center leads Robinson Rancheria’s environmental initiatives, representing the Tribe in local, county, state, and federal discussions. Staff coordinate with partners to protect natural resources and support community education on environmental issues.

The Center participates in two regional collaboratives:

• MLSTEP (Mendocino, Lake, Sonoma Tribal Environmental Program), founded in 2004, connects tribal environmental teams to share resources, host trainings, and address regional issues.

• HERC (Hinthel Environmental Resource Consortium), founded in 2002, brings together Lake County Tribes to discuss shared concerns such as harmful algal blooms, water quality, climate change, and emergency response.

Robinson Rancheria helped establish both groups and continues to play an active leadership role.

Recycling (CRV Buy-Back Center)
Funded through a 2002 EPA Resource Conservation grant, the Tribe’s recycling program continues to operate and expand. The facility processes aluminum, glass, and plastic containers and supports satellite CRV sites in Lucerne, Clearlake Oaks, and Big Valley Rancheria. The Tribe is exploring partnerships with local jurisdictions to address the closure of regional recycling centers.

A Do-It-Yourself Waste Oil Drop-Off container is planned to allow community members to safely dispose of used oil near the Recycling Center.

Water Quality Programs (Clean Water Act §106 and §319)
Since 2000, the Tribe has operated EPA-funded programs for water quality monitoring and non-point source management. Staff collect data on lake health, harmful algal blooms, and fish populations, and lead watershed-based education and restoration efforts.

Hazard Mitigation Planning
In partnership with Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians and other Lake County Tribes, Robinson Rancheria participates in a multi-tribal FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan strengthens regional disaster preparedness and allows the Tribe to access FEMA funding in the event of declared disasters.

Ecological Restoration Workforce Pilot
Through collaboration with New Paradigm College and Scotts Valley, the Tribe supports a workforce training program focused on habitat restoration, fuel reduction, prescribed fire, and climate resilience. The program aims to grow local environmental careers and expand tribal capacity for land stewardship.

Past Projects (1997–Present)
Air Quality • Cultural Resource Mapping • Transportation Planning • GIS Development • Renewable Energy and Solar Lighting • Community Garden • Wetland Restoration • Hitch Recovery • Hazard Mitigation and Erosion Control