- Please consider donating to our Stewardship Program this summer, to help us continue to deliver educational and volunteering events to benefit our beautiful public lands and the millions of visitors who use them every year;

- Check out the latest, Spring/Summer 2024, issue of our Jeffrey Pine Journal Magazine. Remember that you can have a printed copy of this handsome publication mailed to your home if you become a member of Friends of the Inyo for a minimum contribution of $35 a year;

- Celebrate our victories over the last year by reading our 2023 Pine Nuts Annual Impact Report;

- Read about Fire Restrictions for the Inyo National Forest effective July 1; 

- Learn about the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) Summer Voucher Program for Mono County Residents;

- Attend the seventh online session (THIS ONE YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!) of Walking Water's yearlong Water Learning Series (focused on Los Angeles) on July 11, when you will hear from big water players, the Metropolitan Water District and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power;

- Help us grow our "Circle of Friends...of the Inyo!";

- And more! 

Happy Reading...And if you like what you read, Happy Sharing!

Use the button below to read our Fundraising Appeal for Friends of the Inyo's Stewardship Program.

Come along with us on a through-the-seasons view of our stewardship activities so you can understand the program's impact and consider becoming a partner in the care and protection of the Eastern Sierra through your monetary support. All gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law. 

Following is the text from a June 27 News Release from the US Forest Service - Inyo National Forest:

The Inyo National Forest will be in Stage I Fire Restrictions starting Monday, July 1 to protect natural resources and provide for public safety.

Dispersed campfires on the ground will no longer be permitted. However, campfires in designated developed recreation sites and portable stoves still be allowed with a California Campfire Permit.

The following acts are prohibited within Inyo National Forest:

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire except in Forest Service-provided campfire ring or in a standing grill within a Developed Recreation Site listed in Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).

2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, within the Developed Recreation Sites listed in Exhibit A, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).

3. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(i).

Persons with a California Campfire Permit are not exempt from the prohibitions above, however they may use a portable campfire ring/pit, stove, or lantern outside of a Developed Recreation Site, at least five feet from any flammable materials, provided that the portable campfire ring/pit, stove, or lantern only burns gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel, and has a shut-off valve.

Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

For the official forest order including exhibits, visit the Forest Orders webpage on Inyo National Forest website under Alerts and Notices: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/Inyo/ForestOrders

This summer, Mono County is rolling out a new program that allows for residents to reserve free tickets on the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) into and through Yosemite National Park and surrounding communities.  To receive free rides, individuals must fill out an application and show proof of residency, and then will receive a voucher number that must be entered when making a reservation online. This program can be utilized for residents of all ages, and adults traveling with children (17 and under) only require one voucher per adult.  Applications may take up to five days to process.  This free voucher program will begin on July 1st and continue until the end of the summer season (August 31st).

Completed application forms and proof of residency can be submitted via mail to PO Box 347, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546; or by email or in person at the Mono County Community Development offices, located at 1290 Tavern Road, Suite 138, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, and 74 N. School Street, Annex I, Bridgeport, CA 93517. Eligible participants will receive a voucher that can be used to make a reservation online.  Vouchers can be picked up in-person at either the Bridgeport or Mammoth Lakes Community Development office or delivered via mail or email.  For assistance over the phone, please contact Mono County Community Development staff at (760) 924-1800.  

Want to support Friends of the Inyo? Consider making a donation online today!
Or help us Grow Our Circle of Friends...of the Inyo! by purchasing a membership for a friend or loved one. 
Thank you for your generous support.