At the Sierra Nevada Alliance Annual Conference last weekend, I learned about an amazing new initiative that the Sierra Business Council has launched: ThrivingForests . It's a website that is packed with useful info as well as collaborative content tools. The site provides a way for people to learn, discuss, and problem solve around the myriad issues facing forests in the Sierra Nevada. Betony Jones, the Forestry and Conservation Program Director at SBC will have more to share with us (she's a blogger on this site), but I thought I'd alert folks to this innovative way of using new media for community conversations and information sharing.
And while I'm at it, I'd like to also let folks know that Betony and the folks at SBC are hosting a bevy of regional conferences focused on Sierra Forests. Here is the press release that spells out what they are up to and why.
Anyone else got forest initiatives or news they want to share? Add your comment below!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact: Betony Jones
Forestry and Conservation Program Director
Sierra Business Council
p. 530/582.4800
f. 530/582.1230
bjones@sbcouncil.org
www.sbcouncil.org
Sierra Nevada Forest Ecosystems - A Sustainable Outlook
Sierra Business Council Announces Sustaining Sierra Forests Event Series
Truckee, Calif. - Rapid development, a shifting economy, management debates, and years of fire suppression policy have created serious challenges to the health and well being of Sierra forests, wilderness areas, and forest communities. These challenges also obscure the opportunities necessary for entering a new forest economy in the Sierra Nevada.
The Sierra Business Council begins their Sustaining Sierra Forests Event Series on Thursday, August 16th at Heavenly Ski Resort and joins key players, Bernie Weingardt (Regional Forester, U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region), and Jay Vestal (VP, National Forest Foundation) in an afternoon discussing exciting new partnerships and opportunities, and proactive solutions to the challenges facing the region's forest ecosystems and communities.
Celebrate the launch of the new $1 for the Sierra program and the signing of the first ecosystem services MOU between the U.S. Forest Service and non-profit business partner, the Sierra Business Council. In addition, the State of the Sierra Forests report and a new online tool, Thriving Forests Compendium will be presented. The information focuses on the challenges and opportunities for a new forest economy, covering topics such as catastrophic wildfire, rapid residential development, carbon sequestration, climate change, sustainable forest management for timber, small diameter wood utilization, local branding and marketing of timber, biomass, and much more.
Special Press Event and Presentation:
When: Thursday, August 16th 2007
Time: 1:30-4:30pm (Presentation), 4:30-6:00pm (Press Event and Reception)
Where: Heavenly Ski Resort, South Lake Tahoe
Additional Regional Events:
∑ Wed., Sept. 5th - Chester, Collins Pine Company Lumber Museum
∑ Thurs., Sept. 6th - Grass Valley, Nevada Irrigation District Conference Room
∑ Mon., Sept. 10th - Bishop, BLM/USFS Conference Room
∑ Tues., Sept. 11th - Springville, River Ridge Ranch
∑ Thurs., Sept. 13th - Sutter Creek, Sutter Creek Community Conference Room
RSVP is required. Please respond to Nikki Streegan at nstreegan@sbcouncil.org with your contact information and the event you will attend.
###
About Sierra Business Council
The Sierra Business Council is the only business organization serving the entire Sierra Nevada region. We are a nonprofit association of more than 700 businesses, agencies, and individual members committed to promoting a new perspective on regional wealth while emphasizing collaboration in planning and policy making. SBC's mission is to secure the social, natural, and financial health of the Sierra Nevada for this and future generations. To help build a prosperous, sustainable future for the region, our projects focus on community-based planning, conservation, leadership development, and sustainable business and development practices. SBC is an innovative leader that provides communities the tools and models to develop livable towns and prosperous economies while maintaining our sense of place and protecting our natural resources.
Please visit our website at www.sbcouncil.org or call us at 530/582.4800 for more information.
About National Forest Foundation
The National Forest Foundation is a nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service, dedicated to engaging Americans in the conservation and stewardship of our National Forests and Grasslands. To learn more about the National Forest Foundation, visit www.natlforests.org; for information on recreation and volunteer opportunities on our National Forests and joining Friends of the Forest®, visit www.becomeafriend.org or contact emcglinchey@natlforests.org
