SIERRA NEVADA CONSERVANCY BOARD VISITS THE EASTERN SIERRA
The Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) recently brought its quarterly Board meeting to June Lake, giving Board members, staff, partners, and local organizations an opportunity to experience firsthand the landscapes, communities, and challenges that make the Eastern Sierra unique.
The day began at June Mountain Ski Area, where participants boarded buses for a tour of the region. Stops included Minaret Vista, the new CD3 Clean, Drain, Dry, Dispose station at June Lake Junction, and forests surrounding June Mountain. Along the way, local partners discussed forest health, wildfire resilience and treatment, recreation, and the growing threat that aquatic invasive species—including golden mussels—pose to Eastern Sierra lakes and waterways.
MLR had the opportunity to present at the June Lake Junction CD3 station and share how SNC funding helped us purchase and deploy three stations in the region. We also highlighted the work of our Stewardship Ambassador, funded by Measure U, who has spent the summer connecting directly with boaters and lake users, providing education and encouraging everyone to Clean, Drain, and Dry their watercraft and equipment.
These investments have an impact far beyond individual projects. Healthy forests, clean lakes, resilient recreation infrastructure, and well-cared-for public lands are essential to the quality of life and economy of Eastern Sierra communities. They help protect our homes and neighborhoods from wildfire, safeguard the lakes and landscapes residents treasure, support local businesses and jobs that depend on outdoor recreation and tourism, and ensure these places remain available for future generations.
Having the SNC Board here provided an important opportunity for local communities to tell their story and demonstrate how state investment can make a tangible difference in rural mountain communities. Partnerships like these give organizations such as MLR the resources to turn regional priorities into action on the ground—and ultimately help make the Eastern Sierra a healthier, safer, and more resilient place to live, work, and recreate.
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.