Grant Writing Workshop: There is a free grant writing workshop Feb. 9, 10, and 11 for community, nonprofit, and local government representatives who would like to learn how to prepare effective grant applications. This workshop is geared to the beginning (no experience) and intermediate (moderate grant writing experience) levels, and is taught by Elissa Brown who is one of the best. It is being coordinated by the Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Program’s east side representative. Alpine County employees, and members of local non-profits and community organizations can apply. Contact Holly Alpert at holly.easterncaliforniawater@gmail.com or 760-709-2212 for more information or to register.
The instructor, Elissa Brown of the SNC, is really good.
Board of Forestry Regulation Update: The California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection is working on a comprehensive update on its Fire Safe Regulations. These regulations are related to protection of homes and communities, not forest health. In their current form these new regulations, while needed, will have an unnecessary negative impact on both existing as well as future development. The current draft can be found here, and comments received to date can be found here. Further comments are encouraged. There is another public workshop at 9:00 am on January 12th, and one can register here or obtain the agenda here. Essentially the current draft has had lots of input from fire officials, but little input to date by local governments that will need to implement the regulations or members of the public.
Organization Update: As mentioned last month, the Bartons are moving which will leave a hole in the Board of Directors of the Alpine Biomass Collaborative (ABC) 501(c)(3). In addition to Michael Barton’s enthusiasm for forest and watershed health, and improving the local economy, Michael provided valuable business and financial experience, and counsel. The ABC 501(c)(3) is looking for someone with good business and/or financial experience as well as enthusiasm for our mission to join the Board of Directors. If you or someone you know might be interested please contact me at dGriffith.9@gmail.com or 530-694-2168.
Future Meetings: There will not be a January meeting as most agency personnel will either be on leave or just getting back after the holidays. The February meeting will feature Dr. Scott Stephens of the University of California at Berkley talking about the science behind forest restoration in the Sierra. In April we will have presentations on prescribed fire and the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District’s Smoke Management Plan. Any suggestions for possible speakers are welcome.
The next meeting will be February 2nd at 6:00 pm via video conference. A link will be sent about a week before the meeting.
Alpine Biomass Collaborative 