High Sierra Topix

Sierra Nevada Forest Ecosystems - A Sustainable Outlook
Sierra Business Council Announces Sustaining Sierra Forests Event Series

By: Sierra Business Council
Published: Jul 31, 2007 at 07:33
http://www.yubanet.com/artman/publish/a ... 2352.shtml

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 http://www.sbcouncil.org or call us at 530/582.4800 for more information.