MEASURE U SPOTLIGHT: FRIENDS OF THE INYO
We had a chance to catch up with Lindsay Butcher, the Stewardship Director with the Friends of the Inyo, to chat about the Measure U funding they receive and how that funding makes the Mammoth Lakes Trail Ambassadors possible. Their Trail Ambassador program is amazing and helps to educate trail users on how to best recreate responsibly, provide interpretive talks and hikes, engage the public in volunteer public lands stewardship events, and provide a presence on the ground.
Tell us a little about your program/organization.
Friends of the Inyo is a conservation non-profit dedicated to protecting and caring for the lands and waters of the Eastern Sierra. In the summer months we deploy a crew of Trail Ambassadors (TA) on each Ranger District (RD) of the Inyo National Forest from Lone Pine to Bridgeport to help maintain trails, educate visitors, and provide interpretive programs.
How does your program/organization impact the lives of people in Mammoth Lakes?
Our Mammoth Lakes TA is out on local trails every week: clearing downed trees, dismantling illegal fire rings, cleaning up trash, brushing trail.... the tasks are endless, but very much needed. With visitation high and rising, the impacts on local trails are noticeable. The TAs are constantly making visitor contacts while on trail, educating folks on Leave No Trace ethics, forest regulations, fire restrictions, and generally how to recreate responsibly.
Your program/organization is a Measure U grant recipient, can you tell us what you use that funding for in your program/organization?
The Measure U funding Friends of the Inyo receives goes solely toward hiring a Mammoth Lakes RD Trail Ambassador.
Did the Measure U grant funding make it possible for you to offer programming that would not have been available otherwise?
Yes! Without this funding Friends of the Inyo would not have the hiring capacity to fund a Mammoth-specific TA and none of the volunteer opportunities, interpretive hikes, or trail maintenance provided would happen.
How did the Measure U grant funding help your program/organization to provide opportunities for locals to engage with arts/culture/mobility/recreation?
Recreation is an integral part of the TA program. We host volunteer projects like trash cleanups, and trail-days for folks to get connected and more involved in land stewardship. We also provide educational interpretive programs that give folks a chance to get out, move their bodies, and learn about the many local "ologies".
What is the next big thing happening with your organization/program?
Every Friday we are offering nature-based yoga at the Pokonobe Lodge at 8:30am. You'll be guided through familiar yoga postures, but with a nature themed twist! Check out Friendsoftheinyo.org/events for other event offerings.
Do you have any words of advice for other programs/organizations that might be looking at applying for Measure U funding?
Do it! It is a great opportunity to get local funding for whatever project, program, or concept you have.
About Mammoth Lakes Recreation
Formed in 2014, Mammoth Lakes Recreation’s mission is to deliver cutting edge sustainable recreation, mobility, and arts & culture opportunities and infrastructure for the benefit of the community and natural environment of Mammoth Lakes. For more information, go to www.mammothlakesrecreation.org.