Sierra Resource
Spotlight
Sierra Nevada Alliance’s 2013-2014 Fiscal Year Annual Report
http://sierranevadaalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/SNA-AR-2014.pdf
As Alliance Board and staff designed the new Strategic Plan, the primary goal was to
consider the organization’s greatest successes over the past 20 years, with a focus
on the last 5 years; then identify opportunities for similar, concentrated programs
going forward. Broadly, the Alliance will continue to support its Member Groups and
their outstanding work, including providing AmeriCorps Members to build capacity
through the Sierra Nevada AmeriCorps Partnership (SNAP) Program, while focusing
existing conservation programs on the nexus between land use and water
management.
This report is not an evaluation of our now-ending Strategic Plan, but a framing
document for our future work. Each of our continuing and evolving programs is
evaluated based on past performance and shaped based on future opportunities.
With the continued support from our Member Groups, individual Members, and
partner organizations, we look forward to continuing and accelerating our work to
protect and restore the Sierra Nevada for future generations.
Articles
Climate Change
http://www.mercedsunstar.com/news/local/article5147952.html
California rangeland loss could worsen climate change
The Sacramento Bee, Edward Ortiz, 12/29/14
Sierra Link: Disappearing rangelands in California and throughout the Sierra over
the years will make it difficult for the state to reach it’s greenhouse gas emission
goals and may imperil endangered species.
Forestry
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsbytes/2014/655_extra_fire.html
Crews Complete Fire Safety-Land Health Project at Eagle Lake
Bureau of Land Management, Jeff Fontana, 12/14
Sierra Link: With this 10 year project coming to a close, wildfire risk to surrounding
towns has been minimized and plant diversity improved.
http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268808/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=WSNweVws
Conservationists, loggers team up on forest health
AP News, Jeff Barnard, 12/26/14
Sierra Link: Oregon is leading by example with loggers and conservationists
teaming up to maintain forest health and prevent catastrophic wildfire while
keeping both sides of the party happy.
Recreation
http://www.rgj.com/story/life/outdoors/recreation/2014/12/15/users-takesides-debate-sierra-nevada-snow/20460885/
Forest Service reworking where you can play in Sierra snow
Reno Gazette-Journal, Benjamin Spillman, 12/23/14
Sierra Link: Motorized vehicles in the Sierra could find themselves facing new
regulations in the new year.
Water
http://news.stanford.edu/news/2014/december/campus-water-conservation121714.html
Stanford's conservation efforts yield water savings
Stanford Report, Kate Chelsey, 12/17/14
Sierra Link: With the state’s looming water deficit (and 60% of that water coming
from the Sierra) Stanford took water conservation matters into their own hands
with big results.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/19/us-usa-environment-wateridUSKBN0JX0Z620141219
U.S. green groups sue EPA over stormwater regulations
Reuters, Ayesha Rascoe, 12/19/14
Sierra Link: The NRDC and EDC are suing the EPA in hopes the agency will
strengthen regulations preventing pollution from stormwater runoff. With more
development and urban areas springing up in the rural Sierra, stricter regulations
could mean less runoff and pollution.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/28/us/water-source-for-almonds-incalifornia-may-rundry.html?emc=edit_th_20141228&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=66064703&_r=1
Water Source for Almonds in California May Run Dry
New York Times, Felicity Barringer, 12/27/14
Sierra Link: Without water and snowpack, livelihoods of farmers throughout
California would be impacted. What could a change in water rights mean for
farmers, industry and Sierra water resources?
Wildlife
http://www.latimes.com/science/la-me-1204-blackbirds-20141204-story.html
The Los Angeles Times, Louis Sahagun, 12/4/14
Sierra Link: With dairy farmers in the Central Valley delaying their harvest season
to protect tricolored blackbirds, how can Sierra farmers do their part in protecting
species?
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/12/29/1354597/-Steelhead-NumbersAlarmingly-Low-at-Nimbus-Fish-Hatchery
Steelhead Numbers Alarmingly Low at American River's Nimbus Fish Hatchery
Daily KOS, Dan Bacher, 12/29/14
Sierra Link: Statewide drought is taking it’s toll on fish habitat throughout the
Sierra and California.
Other
http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-native-americans-solar20141212-story.html
Native Americans challenge construction of Mojave Desert solar plant
Los Angeles Times, Louis Sahagun, 12/12/14
Sierra Link: With large solar projects popping up throughout California, where will
they go and what are the impacts?
Jobs
SYRCL seeks hundreds of volunteers http://www.wildandscenicfilmfestival.org
To help with the 13th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival! You will receive a film
ticket in exchange for each volunteer shift you serve, up to two tickets. If you
volunteer for two or more shifts, you may
http://www.wildandscenicfilmfestival.org/tickets/buy-tickets/ purchase an entire
weekend Festival Pass for 50% off. Click
http://www.wildandscenicfilmfestival.org/support-us/volunteer-registration/
here to register today.
https://www.tahoerimtrail.org/images/about/Volunteer__Outreach_Manager_1216
14.pdf
Tahoe Rim Trail Association: Volunteer & Outreach Manager
Under the general supervision of the Director of Operations, the Volunteer &
Outreach Manager (VOM) implements the goals and policies related to the
recruitment, training, management and acknowledgement of volunteers for the
TRTA.
Events and Activities
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/lahontan/water_issues/programs/climate_change
_adaptation/docs/cc.pdf
Lahontan Water Board is hosting a Climate Change Workshop January 15, 2015 at
Lake Tahoe Community College from 8:30am to noon.
Join the Water Board to identify how climate change may affect you and provide
your input to prioritize its actions.
Resources
http://www.systemsbiology131.net/syllabus
January 6-March 24 2015. Lake Tahoe Community College, South Lake Tahoe, CA.
Instructed by Fred Roberts
The emphasis of the course will be on all participants co-creating a shared
systems perspective in the classroom while also acquiring systems tools to
explore and address complex biological (environmental) issues. This course
is multidisciplinary and designed for environmental professionals, concerned
citizens, and students of all majors. We feel that the success of the class will
be directly related to the diversity of backgrounds provided by participants.
The Bren School invites any agency, company, organization, or individual that has an
environmental problem to submit a proposal for a Group Project. This is a valuable
opportunity to have a group of talented master's students tackle the problem and
make recommendations to address it. It is also an excellent opportunity to establish
a working relationship with the Bren School.
http://www.bren.ucsb.edu/research/gp_submit.html