The Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) will host its quarterly Board field tour and meeting in June Lake in Mono County on Wednesday, September 2, and Thursday, September 3. SNC is a California state agency focused on improving the environmental, economic, and social well-being of the Sierra-Cascade region; several RCRC County Supervisors sit on the Board.
At the Thursday Board Meeting, the Board will receive an update about a Wildlife Coexistence Capacity Building Grant award authorized by the executive officer for $100,000 to the U.C. Cooperative Extension to support outreach and education in Sierra-Cascade counties impacted by the presence and potential expansion of gray wolves. The intent of the grant is to fund community leaders and decision-makers to equip them with the knowledge and skills to serve as trusted resources for county residents currently coexisting, and neighboring county residents that may coexist in the future, with gray wolves. This will include community-building activities to facilitate the sharing of information, tools, and strategies throughout each respective county.
On Wednesday, September 2, SNC staff will host a tour of fuel reduction project locations in the June Lake and Mammoth Lakes area, as well as sites where partners have implemented recreation improvements to boost sustainable tourism and outdoor access. Members of the public are invited to attend but are responsible for their own transportation and lunch.
Detailed tour information and a full agenda for the board meeting are available HERE. The public is encouraged to review meeting information and submit any comments by 5 p.m. Friday, August 28. To submit public comment related to this meeting, email public-comments@sierranevada.ca.gov.
Additionally, at the Thursday meeting, SNC Board members may approve three Sustainable Recreation, Tourism, and Equitable Outdoor Access Grants to three projects totaling nearly $1.5 million. Funded from Proposition 68, the grants will go to projects in Inyo, Alpine, and Butte counties and help boost outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors.
Partners submitted $21 million in quality project concept proposals for just over $4 million available in SNC’s program. The SNC Board awarded roughly $3.1 million at the June Board meeting. If all projects are awarded at the September Board meeting, funds from Proposition 68 for this recreation and tourism program will be nearly expended.
For additional information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate Staci Heaton.