Sierra Happenings

Events and Activities

AQIP and GGRF Low Carbon Transportation Investments Funding Plan Meeting

ARB staff will seek input on existing project categories being funded through these programs, potential new project categories, and recently signed legislation affecting the implementation of these programs. The workshop will be held at the following time and place: Date: Friday, January 23, 2015 Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Place: Cal/EPA Headquarters Building Coastal Hearing Room, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 This workshop will also be webcast for participants unable to attend in person. If you have questions regarding the workshop, please contact Andrew Panson at (916) 323-2809

Managing Drought

January 12, 2015, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (registration 8:30 a.m.) Sheraton Grand Hotel, 1230 J Street, Magnolia room Sacramento, CA 95814
California's historic drought is revealing strengths and weaknesses in how we manage our precious water resources. At this half–day event—coinciding with the beginning of a new legislative session—participants will examine Australia's millennium drought, consider climate change and future droughts in California, look back at lessons from 2014, and look forward to policy priorities for 2015.

Job Announcements & Volunteer Opportunities

CLF Hiring Southern California Desert Conservation Associate

Conservation Lands Foundation is hiring for an organizer based in southern California to work on campaigns related to designating National Conservation Lands in the California deserts. It is an exciting time to work on CA desert issues with the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan in the works and another CA desert bill in the works.

South Yuba River Citizens League looking for Bookkeeper & Office Manager

The position will start January 2015 located in Nevada City, CA. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Bookkeeper & Office Manager will be responsible for oversight of all finance, accounting, reporting activities, and manage day-to-day office needs.

Resources

Cap & Trade Funding: What it Means for Sierra Communities

Sierra Climate Adaptation & Mitigation Partnership (Sierra CAMP) Webinar led by Sierra Business Council Government Affairs Director, Kerri Timmer. View the slides and the recording (note: the recording begins at slide six). Sierra CAMP is a partnership to connect and empower Sierra leaders and connect them with urban downstream users in an effort to take action on climate change and build resilience to its effects throughout the Sierra Nevada.

Highlights

Member Group Spotlight: Eastern Sierra Land Trust

The Eastern Sierra Land Trust has been a member group of The Sierra Nevada Alliance for many years. This month, we're highlighting one of their many great successes from this year.

Success at Conway Ranch!
Excerpt from the press release:

After two years of conversations about the future of Conway Ranch and input from the public, state and federal wildlife agencies, the original granting agencies, and local nonprofits, a final Conway Ranch conservation easement and management plan was completed on December 1, guaranteeing the preservation of this iconic landscape in perpetuity. The future of Conway Ranch is no longer a question.

“The Conservation Easement will allow for Mono County to realize the economic and fish rearing potential of Conway Ranch, while also protecting important natural and historic resources for generations to come,” stated Acting Caltrans District 9 Director Mike Beauchamp. Mono County will continue to own and manage the property and ESLT’s role will be limited to monitoring and enforcing the terms of the conservation easement. Wildlife habitat and water resources will be protected forever, and compatible activities such as livestock grazing and fish rearing will continue in a manner that ensures the protection of the surrounding resources.

Thanks to two years of cooperative efforts between Mono County, Eastern Sierra Land Trust, and funding partners, the historic Conway Ranch property is now protected forever.


Photo © Kathleen Bishop