Who Owns the Mill Site in Fort Bragg?
Mendo Local turned to the county deed registry in Ukiah for answers
Editor’s Note: Mike Hart’s connection with the Sierra Railroad Holdings has been added. (April 24, 2026, 3:19 p.m.)
News that a private equity firm had acquired the Sierra Railroad Company — owner of Mendocino Railway and the Skunk Train — raised concerns in Mendocino County.
Among the questions people asked: What did it mean for the ongoing controversy over Mendocino Railway’s efforts to develop the former Georgia-Pacific mill site? And what impact would the sale have on the Skunk Train, as well as the jobs — and tourists — it brings to Fort Bragg and Willits?
A statement from Mendocino Railway President and CEO Robert Pinoli offered room for interpretation. “Mendocino Railway’s officers, directors, and ultimate shareholders remain the same as what they were,” Pinoli said.
MendoLocal.News research into deed transfers confirmed that Mendocino Railway remains the primary owner of the mill site, which appears to have been excluded from the acquisition.
According to that research, ownership of mill site parcels transferred to Sierra Northern Railroad on December 23, 2022, was transferred again to a new holding company, Sierra Railroad Holdings, LLC, on January 29, 2026. In addition to those parcels, which total 121 acres, Sierra Railroad Holdings, LLC also reportedly owns Mendocino Railway, along with mill site acreage to which it holds direct title.
According to documents filed with the Secretary of State, Sierra Railroad Holdings is controlled by Mike Hart, the long-time CEO and previous owner of the Sierra Railroad Company.
However, Ridgewood Infrastructure — the private equity firm that owns Sierra Northern via the Sierra Railroad Company — retains a foothold in Fort Bragg, according to MendoLocal.News research.
Three parcels totaling nearly 60 acres that were transferred to Sierra Northern in 2022 were not transferred back to Mendocino Railway. These parcels run alongside Pudding Creek.
When asked specifically about these properties, Pinoli responded via email: “I think it’s sufficient to say that some of the paperwork has not found its way through the system. As I’ve indicated before, Ridgewood has nothing to do with Mendocino Railway or the property in Fort Bragg.”
Read our reporting on Mendocino Railway and the mill site:
Private Equity Acquires Skunk Train Owner, Settlement Talks Continue with Fort Bragg
Federal Rail Rulings Stack up in Against State Regulators in Fort Bragg Mill Site Dispute
Federal Railroad Board Blocks Great Redwood Trail Abandonment Motion
Skunk Train Chief Details Freight Operations, Federal Oversight Amid Eminent Domain Dispute
California Appeals Court Says Public Utilities Need Not Serve Active Customers
Should the Skunk Train be Part of the Regional Transporation Plan?
California AG Bonta Challenges Mendocino Railway’s Federal Carrier Status
Mendocino Railway Rejects Fort Bragg’s Bid for Yearlong Pause in Litigation
Fort Bragg Plans Public Study Session, Website to Boost Transparency on Mill Site Development
Skunk Train, Fort Bragg Jointly Agree to Set Aside Default in Mill Site Suit
U.S. Supreme Court Denies Skunk Train Appeal
Federal Railway Agency Affirms Mendocino Railway’s Carrier Status
Default Notice Issued as Stormwater Contamination Battle with Fort Bragg Escalates
Excellent reporting Elise, please continue to monitor; Pinoli's statement;": “I think it’s sufficient to say that some of the paperwork has not found its way through the system." is worthy of your vigilance!
Good investigative reporting. Frankly, I have a hard time trusting anything coming out of Mr Pinoli. These latest comments illustrate his deviousness. Such a shame. This beloved excursion line/amusement ride continues to have delusions of grandeur. Kept pushing for status as a freight carrying railroad and, with their deep pockets, succeeded, so far. What they want to do with the Noyo Headlands is very troubling. And selling to a company specializing in "infrastructure" is very telling. Thank you for shining the Light on their actions!