| The Agriculture Secretary, Brooke Rollins, is attempting to repeal the Roadless Rule. The public comment period opened on Friday, August 29th and will only be open for 21-days, closing on Friday, September 19th.
Passed in 2001 with bipartisan and overwhelming public support, the Roadless Area Conservation Rule (Roadless Rule) is a tool used by the National Forest Service to protect some of the most intact, wild, biologically and culturally rich places left in America.
The Roadless Rule prevents new roads from being carved into areas that were identified as important areas that safeguard our clean water, protect important habitat, enhance backcountry experiences, and preserve Tribal lands. The economic heart of the Eastern Sierra is our iconic landscapes, rich ecosystems, and world-class recreation. The Roadless Rule safeguards these economic drivers just as it safeguards the land itself. Check out the map to see what areas are at risk.
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Tell the National Forest Service you support the Roadless Rule and do not want to see it repealed! Submit a comment at the button below. Be sure to state that you do not want the Roadless Rule repealed and make it personal. Added bonus if you send a copy of your letter to your US Representative. |
Help Friends of the Inyo by filling out our survey at the button below on the experiences you’ve had in Roadless areas in Inyo and Mono Counties. |
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California lawmakers have approved one of the most substantial rollbacks in decades of CEQA, the state’s signature environmental review law. We want it changed. When AB/SB 131 was passed on June 30th as part of the Governor’s budget, legislators made a commitment to consider a “clean up” amendment to address two egregious features of the bill, including: |
- The bill broadly exempts a vague class of “advanced manufacturing” facilities from environmental review, which will expose surrounding communities to dangerous pollution.
- The bill’s exclusion for “natural and protected lands” is too narrow; it does not include habitat for endangered species.
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Friends of the Inyo Executive Director, Wendy Schneider, along with members of the Mono Lake Committee and Sierra Nevada Conservancy met with Belle Castro, legislative director for Assemblyman Tangipa on Aug. 26 to discuss concerns regarding the California Environmental Quality Act and funding for Prop 4. |
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Together with over 200 other organizations, we urged Governor Newsom and the Legislature to urgently address serious flaws in the newly enacted “permit streamlining” law (Senate Bill 131), which puts neighborhood and workplace health, clean air and water, and vital wildlife habitats at risk. Learn more about the coalition letter we signed at this link.
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With your help, we need to urge members of the State Senate and Assembly to communicate with their leadership to make these fixes. |
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Friends of the Inyo's advocacy team has been hard at work this summer working with Rep. Kevin Kiley to educate his office on the importance of keeping public lands public, keeping bedrock environmental laws intact, and maintaining adequate staffing and funding levels for our federal land management agencies.
Our grassroots advocacy work helped convince our Congressman to oppose the selloff of public lands proposed earlier this summer in the Senate budget reconciliation bill. Friends of the Inyo Executive Director Wendy Schneider, and other local stakeholders met with Rep. Kevin Kiley on Aug. 28 (pictured above and to the left) to advocate for the maintenance of adequate budgets and funding for our public lands.
Additionally, the FOI advocacy team has been working with CA Assembly member Tangipa to advocate for maintaining the critical protections of the California Environmental Quality Act. Both of these collaborative efforts are and will continue to be crucial as we continue to protect the Eastern Sierra. |
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This past month we teamed up with 13 volunteers, the Inyo National Forest, and Mono County to replace 60 feet of worn-out boardwalk in Upper Rock Creek. Volunteers hauled 100+ pound timbers a quarter mile to the site, dismantled the old structure, and dug out placements for the new boardwalk. Thanks to their hard work, this much-loved trail got the glow-up it needed. Our crew was a mix of locals and longtime Rock Creek visitors - everyone united by their love for this special place.
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We wrapped up the month in Nevada with our White Mountain Volunteer Work Week. Alongside five volunteers, two Forest Service staff, three FOI stew crew, and one very good dog, we tackled erosion issues caused by overgrazing. By slowing stream flow and stabilizing banks, we gave the meadow a boost toward long-term health and resilience. We can’t wait to check back in and see how the meadow responds! |
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| October Volunteer Work Week |
When: October 2nd-5th
What: Dismantling defunct and non-historic cabin |
| | Great Sierra River Clean Up |
Date: September 20th 9am - 12pm Prizes for folks most trash collected and weirdest find! Family (and dog) friendly! |
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| Root to Ridge: How Plants, Animals, and People Shape the Forest |
Come experience the beauty of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Join us for a guided walk exploring the hidden connections that shape our forest, from roots beneath the soil to the ridges above. Location: Virginia Lakes Trail Time: 9 AM - 10 AM Dates: 9/7 |
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| Mammoth Lakes' Fuzzy Locals: Explore the Life of a Mammoth Bear
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Step into the paws of a bear and discover how these fascinating creatures survive and thrive in our mountain landscapes ⛰️
Join Trail Ambassador Jordan for his talk about bear behavior, seasonal habits, and how we can share this wild home safely and responsibly. Location: Horseshoe Lake Lot Time: 10 AM - 12 PM Dates: 9/7, 9/21 |
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| Take a hike amongst aspen groves, wildflowers, and waterfalls while stopping to observe and sketch the surrounding beauty. No art experience needed—just a sense of curiosity! Location: Lundy Canyon Trail Time: 9:30AM - 11:00 AM Dates: 9/14 |
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Trail Ambassador Jordan will be available to answer all your burning questions about bears! Stop by his table to learn about these fascinating creatures and how live alongside them responsibly. Location: Twin Lakes Vista Time: 10 AM - 12 PM Dates: 9/14, 9/28 |
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Dannique Aalbu first fell in love with the Eastern Sierra during the eight seasons she spent working in Yosemite National Park. As an environmental scientist, she is passionate about supporting sound science and promoting healthy and resilient ecosystems. She believes that connecting people with public land and open space can change lives and create lifetime conservationists. She lives in Bishop with her husband and daughter. |
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Walk of Resilience and Accountability |
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Panel Discussion Stronger Together: Collaborative Action for Water Resilience
September 10th, 5:30-7pm *Bishop - in person & zoom* | |
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Youth Walk Led By Local Youth September 14th, 10am-1pm Big Pine | |
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| Panel Discussion
Restoring The Flow: Communities Rising For Water September 20th, 5-8pm *Lone Pine - In Person & Zoom* |
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Closing Ceremony With Patsiata/Owens Lake September 22nd, 9am
Location: Bartlett Road, Owens Lake/Patsiata (36.482712, -118.031024) | |
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Want to support Friends of the Inyo? Consider making a donation online today!
Click on the button below to help us Grow Our Circle of Friends...of the Inyo!
Thank you for your generous support. |
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Friends of the Inyo appreciates the following organizations and local businesses for their generous sponsorship of our programs: |
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Main Office: 621 W. Line St., Suite 201 Bishop, CA 93514 |
| Satellite Office: 142 E. Bush St. Lone Pine, CA 93545 |
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Call us: (760) 873-6500
Like and follow us on social media: |
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