Presentation to Sierra Nevada Foundation Advocacy Helped Leverage Tens of Millions in State Funds to Sierra Conservation in 2023
Context: Land Trusts, Conservation Groups, NGO’s, and state agencies are very dependent on state dollars for planning and doing restoration throughout the Sierra
Three Examples of Conservation Projects Using State Funding
The Sierra Fund Restoring Grizzly Diggins Hydraulic Mine Site to Improve Downstream Water Quality, Reduce Fire Hazard
El Dorado Irrigation District, partners and volunteers doing Caples
Ecological Burn in a wilderness study area successfully reducing fire hazard.
American River Conservancy Purchasing Lewis Ranch
Challenges
Challenge
State Funding Challenges 2023
∙ State Revenue has had shortfalls and sizable budget deficits recently
∙ Governor budget proposed cuts concentrated in natural resources/climate
∙ Restoration, Workforce Development, and Climate Action require sustained funding to be effective
∙ Gap years destroy capacity that take many years to rebuild
Budget and Bond Proposals in 2023 had challenges for the Sierra
• Supported industrial scale approaches vs community scale investments the Sierra benefits from best.
• Unnecessary restrictions disqualified Sierra groups and projects.
• Favored wildfire/forest management using an industrial type approach vs Nature-Based Solutions
Challenge
Action
• We hired an advocacy firm for expert guidance and representation
• We did advocacy meetings
• We issued a joint letter requesting budget changes in March 2023
• Hired advocates testified at hearings
• Sierra Lobby Day with 50 People
• Partnered with Sierra Business Council, Sierra Nevada Alliance and others
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Results
Results
Wildlife Conservation Board:
• Retained $187 million - Protecting Fish and Wildlife from Changing Climate allocation.
• Restored $16 million for the Cascades and High Sierra Upper Watersheds Program and $16 million for the Land Acquisition and Habitat Enhancement Program for purposes of water resiliency.
• Kept the $40 million for the wildlife corridor program from last year.
• Kept $150 million for nature-based solutions/30x30. – less than prior years but not gutted.
Results
Forestry and Fire:
∙ Intact fire funding for the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and state conservancies.
∙ Got $14 million one-time Proposition 98 General Fund to support workforce training grants with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection– off setting cuts to these workforce training programs elsewhere.
Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
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Investments in Science/Capacity
Fully restored $20 million General Fund to CA Dept of Fish & Wildlife for finescale vegetation mapping. The Sierra Nevada is not mapped currently.
Results
Outdoor Access/Workforce Development
• Secured $10 million General Fund to CA Natural Resources Agency for the Recreational Trails and Greenways Program.
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• Restored $54 million to the Department of Parks and Recreation for the Statewide Parks Program
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• Restored $23.5 million General Fund to the California Conservation Corps for local conservation corps.
Results
Also Held Sierra Forest Resilience and Recovery Tour
Oct 18-19
• Senator Laird and Senator Dahle hosts
• Over 13 legislative staff of important committees attended.
Thank You Sierra Nevada Foundation For Your Support
