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Hello, February continues to be a busy month for Friends of the Inyo. In this month's Juniper, you will have the chance to read updates on a number of projects. We also have a wide variety of events happening in the next few weeks and months. In Lone Pine, Bishop, Mammoth, and Bridgeport, we have events throughout the Eastern Sierra and we hope to see you around. And remember, early registration for the Owens Lake Bird Festival begins on February 15th and outings fill up fast. Open registration for non-members will begin on March 1st. So if you're not a member yet, become one today to get access to register early. I hope you enjoy this month's Juniper! Sincerely, Kyle Hamada
Communications Director | |
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Haiwee Geothermal Development Update | |
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In January 2020 the BLM released the Final Environmental Impact Statement for a project that will expand the Haiwee Geothermal Leasing Area to 22,805 acres, almost tripling its size. Friends of the Inyo is pushing back against the rollback of conservation protections while showing support for the project only within the established Development Focus Area. Read the comments we submitted and more about this project in Bryan's blog post. | |
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Panamint Valley Lithium Update & Monitoring Opportunity | |
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| Lithium exploration in Panamint Valley has been upheld through all levels of the NEPA process is set to move forward. It is tough to know when they will initiate exploration but in the meantime, we have a great opportunity for motivated environmentalists and volunteers to help us monitor the Panamint Valley project site. To learn more about hot to get involved, read Bryan's blog post. | |
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Keep Long Valley Green Update | |
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The Keep Long Valley Green campaign has been very active in 2020 working to secure LADWP’s commitment to an adequate water supply for the area’s ecological, economic and recreational needs. Long Valley is a critical part of Eastern Sierra ranching operations, provides important habitat for the threatened sage grouse and other species, and is a popular recreation area for both locals and visitors. Settlement negotiations regarding the lawsuit filed by Mono County and the Sierra Club are ongoing. While we hope those negotiations secure a long-term commitment from LADWP to provide adequate water, the campaign is moving ahead to keep up the pressure on the Commissioners to ensure timely and adequate water by April 1, 2020. The campaign will reach out soon with more information on how you can help. | |
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On behalf of Friends of the Inyo and the Xerces Society Thank all of you who volunteered to count monarchs in Saline Valley | |
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"This year's Western Monarch Thanksgiving Count indicates that monarch numbers remain critically low. This year, fewer than 30,000 monarchs were counted for the second year in a row, so the population remains at a critical level." -Xerces Society You can read more in a press release and a blog article from the Xerces Society. And learn more about what you can do at savewesternmonarchs.org. | |
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Action Alert: Inyo County Road Maintenance and Motorized Mixed Use | |
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Last month, the Inyo National Forest provided notice that it is considering granting easements and special use permits to Inyo County for eight roads on the White Mountain and Mount Whitney Ranger Districts of the national forest. The INF is proposing to approve this project under a Categorical Exclusion, which will limit the opportunities for public comment and the environmental analysis the agency will be required to undertake. We encourage our members and supporters to help us raise concerns regarding this proposal. Learn how to submit your comments by reading Jora's blog post. | |
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Early registration for the 2020 Owens Lake Bird Festival
will begin on February 15th. We are currently working out all of the details concerning outing offerings and trip leaders to make this sixth year of the event the best one yet. This year the Owens Lake Bird Festival will be held on April 24th -26th. Space is limited so you will want to register early.
Early registration is reserved for current Friends of the Inyo member. | |
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Movie Screening: Roadless | |
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February 15 from 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
held at the Museum of Western Film History in Lone Pine Enjoy a fantastic night of community interaction, local non-profit support, with a viewing of this year’s Teton Gravity research film, “Roadless.” Tickets can be bought online or at the door for $15. Doors open at 5:30PM. Display tables will be hosted inside the lobby by the non-profit and business organizations supporting the event. At 6:00PM a discussion on Risk and Risk Management will begin. The discussion will be facilitated by Jeff Montgomery, a retired 20 year Navy veteran, current Developmental Test Pilot and avid recreational ski touring Lone Pine local. 7:00PM film plays Friends of the Inyo is is a supporting partner. All proceeds benefit Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center. | |
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Mammoth Lakes Chamber Business After Hours: Friends of the Inyo | |
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February Business After Hours will be hosted by Friends of the Inyo! This fun Business After Hours will be held at The Warming Hut where you will network, learn more about the great backcountry programs provided by FOI, and enjoy great food and drinks. FREE / Chamber Members
$10 / Non-Chamber Members | |
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Arctic Refuge: Magnificent and Threatened a slideshow by Andy Selters & Brennan Lagasse | |
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February 22nd from 6-9pm
held at the Inyo Council for the Arts in Bishop Join photographer and author Andy Selters, and arctic guide and advocate Brennan Lagasse for an evening portrayal of this northeast corner of Alaska making headlines for both grandeur and proposed oil development. Andy will share his pictures and tales from a north-south traverse through the Brooks Range, and Brennan will present his perspectives from many visits as a leader of expeditions and youth groups, including work with the native peoples and an overview of the threats from oil development and climate change. | |
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Bodie Hills Winter Outing | |
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Saturday March 14, 2019 from 9am-3pm Where: Meet at the High Sierra Bakery in Bridgeport at 9am
What to Bring: Water, lunch, snacks, camera, and skis or snowshoes. If you don't have any, we will have snowshoes for you to borrow. Dress in warm clothing. We will provide details on conditions on March 12th. Please let us know if you need guidance on gear or what to bring. RSVP to wendy@friendsoftheinyo.org with the number in your party and any questions you may have | |
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Friends of the Inyo appreciates the following organizations and local businesses for their generous sponsorship of our programs: | |
