CR and Bear River Formalize 20 Year Partnership for Baseball and Softball Facilities

Published on Aug 27 2026

College of the Redwoods and the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria have entered into a 20-year agreement establishing the baseball and softball fields at the Bear River Recreation Center in Loleta as the home facility for CR baseball and softball practices and competition.

The long-term agreement solidifies the partnership between CR and Bear River while providing Redwoods student-athletes with access to NCAA-approved facilities located close to the Eureka campus. The convenient location will also make it easier for students, families, and community members to attend games and support CR Athletics.

“This partnership has been a long time coming, and I am incredibly proud to see it reach this point. Relationships like this do not happen overnight. They are built over many years through the work of people who saw the potential of what Bear River and College of the Redwoods could accomplish together. I want to acknowledge the groundwork that was laid years ago and the continued work that has brought us to this 20-year commitment,” says Bear River Tribal Chairwoman Josefina Frank.

“This MOU represents more than a long-term home for CR’s baseball and softball teams,” says CR President Dr. Keith Flamer. “As we enter a new era in College of the Redwoods’ history, we do so with a long-lasting collaboration with Bear River Band, building on our strong commitment to meaningful and lasting partnerships with our Tribal communities.”

Under the agreement, Bear River will complete the project, including equipment storage and permanent ADA-accessible restroom facilities, and will remain responsible for operating, maintaining, and making long-term improvements to the facilities. CR will receive first priority for practice and competitive game scheduling for both the baseball and softball fields.

The agreement also provides discounted Bear River Recreation Center memberships for CR athletes and discounted lodging and dining for visiting teams at Bear River Casino Resort. The agreement may be renewed beyond its initial 20-year term with the approval of both organizations.

“For Bear River, this agreement represents much more than baseball and softball fields. It reflects our commitment as a Tribal Nation to invest in opportunities that strengthen our community and the greater community around us. We have worked hard to develop facilities that our Tribal members can be proud of while also creating opportunities to build meaningful partnerships with organizations like College of the Redwoods,” Frank says.

“I am especially proud that Bear River can provide a home where CR student-athletes can practice, compete, and have their families and community come out to support them. This partnership shows what can happen when we build relationships with a long-term vision in mind. We are excited about what this next chapter will bring and look forward to continuing to grow our relationship with College of the Redwoods for many years to come,” Frank says.

“We are thrilled about this long-term home for our student athletes. This announcement adds to the modernization efforts already underway across all of our sports programs,” says CR Athletics Director Ryan Bisio. “I want to thank Mic Moulton for giving our baseball program a home for the last decade at Redwood Acres. The future looks bright for our student athletes who will benefit from the improved facilities so close to home at Bear River.”