Black Bear Ranch, Intentional community in Siskiyou County, California, US
Black Bear Ranch is an intentional community occupying roughly 80 acres in the Salmon River Watershed of Northern California, surrounded by mountain peaks, rivers, and diverse forests. Residents manage the property through a land trust, focusing on ecological stewardship and maintaining their infrastructure.
The land originated as a gold mining settlement in the 1860s before transforming into a communal living space in 1968 through donations and alternative funding. This shift marked a transition from resource extraction to sustainable community living.
Members gather weekly in circle meetings to make decisions together and work closely with the Karuk people. This partnership shapes how the community cares for the land and respects its original inhabitants.
The property is accessible by forest roads and maintained by residents and remote supporters. Visitors should know this is an active residential community, so respecting residents' privacy is essential.
The community shifted from an open commune model to emphasize collective land management and protection of the Klamath River region. This reorientation grew from listening directly to Karuk concerns about the land.
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