Blog

Regional Op-Ed | The Sierra Fund: What do "Green Jobs" mean for rural California?

Yubanet.com — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:36:43 -0800

Regardless of political party and position, when it comes to economic stimulus and the hundreds of billions of dollars that the federal government is getting ready to pump into the system, everyone agrees that if the money doesn't result in massive job creation the economy will likely sink from crisis into catastrophe.

New Survey Documents State Contracts Freeze Blow to Sierra Green Economy

Yubanet.com — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:16:11 -0800

A recent survey by the Sierra Nevada Alliance confirms that the State's stop work order on bond funded contracts as of December 17, 2008 has effected 60% of surveyed conservation groups in the Sierra Nevada, with 26% laying off workers to date. The stop work order has withdrawn millions of dollars stimulating the Sierra economy, turning the existing green economy of the Sierra to muddy brown.

Sierra Conservation Groups Push for Land Swap to Preserve Whitney Portal Property

Yubanet.com — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:18:05 -0800

As the January 21 deadline for comments on the 'Whitney Portal Preserve' development proposal approaches, local conservationists and regional organizations are stepping up their efforts to stop the project and protect the threatened land.

Fuel Reduction on the TNF - The Festive Way

Yubanet.com — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:33:36 -0800

Every little bit counts when it comes to reducing the fuel load. Here's an innovative way to help reduce fuel and donate to a good cause:

Forest Service and Audubon volunteers are selling holiday wreaths representing the Sierra ecosystems. Proceeds go to the joint Audubon/Forest Service conservation education program to purchase supplies and tools including various bird and animal mounted specimens.

7th annual Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival in Nevada City, Jan. 9-11

Yubanet.com — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 07:25:51 -0800

Make sure you're in Nevada City on January 9-11, 2009 for the 7th annual Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival, the largest festival of its kind in the country. Organized by the South Yuba River Citizens League, the festival will screen 130 independent films with subjects ranging from urban homesteading in Pasadena to renewable energy projects among the Navajo and Hopi tribes. The films are clustered in venues throughout historic downtown Nevada City, which is transformed into a cinematic wonderland for the festivities. The weekend also features many special events, including art shows, receptions, free workshops, chat sessions with the filmmakers, and a wine stroll.

CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit Officials Declare End to 2008 Fire Season

Yubanet.com — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 06:54:31 -0800

Recent precipitation and cooler weather in Northern California have allowed CAL FIRE, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, to declare an end to the 2008 fire season in the Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit effective Tuesday, November 4 at 5 p.m. CAL FIRE personnel, equipment and facilities within these three counties will transition into winter preparedness during the next several weeks.

When it comes to forest soil, wildfires pack one-two punch

Yubanet.com — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:13:00 -0700

For decades, scientists and resource managers have known that wildfires affect forest soils, evidenced, in part, by the erosion that often occurs after a fire kills vegetation and disrupts soil structure. But, the lack of detailed knowledge of forest soils before they are burned by wildfire has hampered efforts to understand fire's effects on soil fertility and forest ecology.

Placer Land Trust Earns National Recognition - First in the Sierra

Yubanet.com — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:51:54 -0700

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, announced last week that Placer Land Trust has been awarded accredited status, making it the first land trust in the Sierra to receive this distinct honor.

Local First Plumas County seeks a positive solution for relocalizing economies

Yubanet.com — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:34:54 -0700

Towns in Plumas County delight residents and visitors alike with their own distinctive characters and flavors. The valleys and evergreen forests of the landscape, the winter storms, and historical tales connect us to this place, while the shops and restaurants, the local merchants, philanthropists, artists, and musicians sustain us. These unique natural and human elements of our mountain towns make these mountains home, and we want to celebrate it.

Western Aggregates and SYRCL Announce Agreement For 180-acre Salmon Habitat Enhancement Along Yuba River

Yubanet.com — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:41:03 -0700

Western Aggregates (Western) and the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) announced today that they, along with the Yuba River Preservation Foundation (YRPF) and Yuba Outdoor Adventures (YOA), have signed an Agreement in Principle to establish a conservation easement along three miles of river frontage of the Yuba River downstream of the Parks Bar Bridge. The easement area, consisting of approximately 180 acres of land owned by Western Aggregates, will be used by the four signatories for habitat restoration for salmon, trout, and other native Yuba River species.