This is the Public Domain is an ongoing effort to create a permanent international commons. The land will be free to everyone and will be held in perpetuity.

In 2003, a 2.64 acre parcel of land was purchased to serve as the site for the proposed public domain. Located in Tehachapi, California, sharing of this commons will be initiated when a juridical solution for public handover is found.

The project to date has involved the purchase of land and research into legal strategies by which to hand over the ‘bundle’ of ownership rights to the global public. Wind rights are held. Mineral rights still need to be acquired before the land is handed over.

Directions and access

The land is located in Antelope Valley in the High Desert region of eastern Kern County, roughly 125 miles northeast of Los Angeles, and just west of the town of Mojave. The site is within walking distance from town, north of Oak Creek Road and south of the intersection of Highway 14 and 58. The Pacific Crest Trail passes nearby.

The site is 'landlocked' meaning there are no public roads by which to access it. The land is located within a wind farm, and is fenced off to the north, west, and south, where ungraded dirt roads are owned by the wind farm. The other way to access the land is to hike west a few miles from Highway 14, crossing the properties of a number of small-hold landowners known as "The Homesteads.” Access is questionable and no easements have been negotiated.