The Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) will host its quarterly Board Meeting Thursday, Sept. 7, in Fairview in Tulare County (between the towns of Kernville and Johnsondale). The day before, Sept. 6, the SNC will host a field tour of wildfire-recovery and community-resilience projects in the area, including a first-hand look at iconic giant sequoias that have been threatened by drought, insect infestation, and wildfires.
View detailed tour and meeting information, including how to submit a public comment.
Third round of critical WIP capacity investments to be presented
At the meeting, the Board will get an update on SNC’s plan to roll out $14.5 million in capacity investments it received in May as a block grant from the Department of Conservation’s Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Program (RFFCP) to lead implementation in the Sierra-Cascade region.
The statewide RFFCP was established in March 2019 with the overarching goal to increase California’s capacity to develop, prioritize, and implement wildfire- and forest-resilience projects that restore ecosystem health and protect communities, forests, and other landscapes. Boardmembers and the public will learn about SNC’s initial program design to implement the block grant, which includes support for capacity building, project development, and tribal participation.
Update on southern Sierra forests, including giant sequoias
The board will also receive an overview from leading scientists and land managers in the region on the status of forest health in the southern Sierra Nevada, focusing on giant sequoias. Among the largest and oldest trees in the world, these iconic giants are endemic to the Sierra Nevada and under serious threat from destructive wildfires. Although the longevity of giant sequoias can be attributed to their significant resilience to pests, disease, and wildfire, recent factors, such as climate change and years of fuel buildup, have increased mortality rates.