Hello,

Thank you for your continued support, especially to those of you who have made or plan to make a donation for #GivingTuesdayNow. And if you haven't given already, all donations will still be doubled by our Board of Directors, up to a total of $16,000. We are grateful for members like you, allowing us to continue our work through these uncertain times. Threats to our public lands aren't taking a break during this pandemic, and neither are we.

In this issue of The Juniper, you can celebrate Endangered Species Day from home, participate in a virtual outings to Conglomerate Mesa, and make your voice heard concerning the use of e-bikes on non-motorized trails. We hope you enjoy this month's issue of the Juniper.

Sincerely,

Kyle Hamada
Communications Director

#GivingTuesdayNow Continues Through May

Our Board of Directors has committed to match all donations we receive this month, up to $16,000.

With some grant funding unavailable due to the pandemic, funding our Trail Ambassador program in 2020 will be more challenging than in past years. At the same time, we expect unusually high visitation to our region once travel restrictions are lifted and public lands reopened. Through the month of May for #GivingTuesdayNow, we are asking for your support.

Learn More

Endangered Species Day 2020

Photo: Spencer Riffle

Endangered Species Day is an opportunity for us to learn and share about the importance of protecting endangered species and everyday actions we can take to help protect and recover endangered species. This edition of the Juniper spotlights one of the most endangered species in our working area of the Eastern Sierra. Learn about the Sierra Nevada Yellow Legged Frog and what you can do to help.

Conglomerate Mesa Virtual Outing

Tuesday, May 26th at 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Photo: Ken Etzel

Join Bryan Hatchell, Desert Lands Organizer at Friends of the Inyo, for a virtual photo tour of Conglomerate Mesa! Experience the flora, fauna, and vast expanse of the California Desert through the stunning photography work of campaign allies, like Patagonia photographer, Ken Etzel.

Bryan will be leading the photo presentation for the first 30-40 minutes, and then he will open the meeting to answer your questions.

Email bryan@friendsoftheinyo.org to RSVP to this virtual event.

RSVP

E-Bikes Comment Period

Photo: Adam Colton

There has been a recent proposal that would allow motorized mountain bikes, or e-bikes, on non-motorized trails. Plus, these changes would be made with no environmental analysis under NEPA despite the fact that the proposal would allow motorized bikes to travel further and faster into the backcountry and into sensitive wildlife habitat.

Please urge the BLM to leave the few non-motorized trails we have non-motorized. Learn how to submit comments before the comment period ends on June 9th, 2020. Read Jora's blog post to learn more.

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.