Hello,

During such an uncertain time, we at Friends of the Inyo are incredibly grateful for the ability to continue our work. In fact, we remain vigilant on all fronts in case any project proponent tries to move forward under cover of the current crisis.

In this issue of The Juniper, we update you on the Haiwee pumped storage project, Keep Long Valley Green campaign, and status of the Bi-State sage grouse federal listing. We are also glad to provide some materials from Leave No Trace on indoor activities for kids and how to recreate responsibly outside during this period of social distancing, if you choose to do so. And finally, we provide resources to learn more about the closures of developed recreation sites by the BLM and Forest Service here in California. Enjoy!

Sincerely,

Kyle Hamada
Communications Director

FERC Issues Premium Energy Preliminary Permit for Haiwee Pumped Storage Project

On March 19th, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued LA-based company, Premium Energy a 2-year preliminary permit for a pumped storage project in the Haiwee area. When the time comes, Friends of the Inyo will be there every step of the way to stand up for the land. Learn more by reading Bryan's blog post.

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Keep Long Valley Green Update

The Keep Long Valley Green coalition continues to pressure LADWP to commit to allow sufficient water to be spread in Long Valley to support the area's ecology, which is critical to ranching operations, the recreational tourism economy, and the bi-state sage grouse. Regarding 2020, the agency has been reluctant to commit to a specific number of acre feet, or a specific irrigation start date, but talks are continuing, and the coalition is hopeful that an agreement will be reached next week. Regarding 2021 and beyond, the coalition has proposed a Dry, Average, Wet year schedule in hopes that the parties can balance the needs of freshwater in metropolitan Los Angeles with Long Valley's local needs.

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Sage Grouse Listing Update

After nearly two years of review, US Fish and Wildlife has announced their decision to withdraw the Bi-State sage grouse from consideration for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Friends of the Inyo submitted comments on the listing in June of 2019. Read more about the decision and read FOI's comment letter in Jora's blog post.

Photo courtesy of Leave No Trace™.

Leave No Trace Indoor Activities for Kids

Kids off school and stuck indoors? Here are some activities from Leave No Trace that you can do indoors or in a backyard to keep them occupied.

Learn More

Photo courtesy of Leave No Trace™.

Getting Outside Amidst Covid-19

The coronavirus pandemic is rapidly altering our daily life. As many people turn to local parks and trails to practice safe social distancing, the Leave No Trace Center has put together a set of recommendations to consider.

Please be aware that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, local land management agencies have closed developed recreation sites in California. Click the links below to read more from the BLM and USFS.

Reminder: New Office Location!

I'd like to remind you that we have moved from our previous location on Barlow Lane to a new downtown office on West Line Street. Please also take a moment to update our address in your contact records so that all donations and correspondence will go to the right address. Thank you.