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Steve Pearce has repeatedly and publicly called for the dismantling of public lands. If confirmed by the Senate later this month, he will be the next director of the BLM.

The Trump administration's attacks on public lands have proven ceaseless just one month into 2026, but so has our defense. Two weeks ago, Congress passed a budget that largely rejected the nearly $4 Billion deep cut to conservation and environmental programs requested by the administration. This is just one example of Friends of the Inyo and similar groups making a formidable impact against the administration's anti-conservation and anti-public lands agenda. Over the next month, our work will focus on pressuring Rep. Kevin Kiley to become a co-sponsor of the Public Lands in Public Hands Act. This bill is increasingly important as it looks more certain that "Sell-Off” Steve Pearce, an outspoken opponent of the concept of public lands, will be confirmed as director of the Bureau of Land Management and the 245 million acres of public lands the agency manages. We will also continue our work to defend the Roadless Rule, Public Lands Rule, and Travel Management Rule, all of which protect large areas of our public lands in the Eastern Sierra and have been targeted for repeal by the Trump administration.

2026 SnowSchool Dates are Here! Volunteers Needed

Bishop: March 11, 12, and 13 at Cardinal Village

Mammoth: March 2 and March 6 at the Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center

What is SnowSchool? SnowSchool is an outdoor education experience that gets kids to have fun outside and be curious about their natural environment.

What will volunteers be doing? Leading activity stations for up to 10 students at a time and helping with site setup and breakdown. Volunteers do not need any previous outdoor education experience! All lessons and activities will be provided in advance, and the lessons are not complicated!

Who should volunteer? Anyone who enjoys being outside, working with kids, and spreading knowledge about the Eastside’s unique winter ecology. Volunteers should be comfortable being outside and in the snow for several hours at a time. Breakfast and coffee are provided for volunteers.

How long are volunteers needed? Volunteers are needed from 8:30 to 1:30 each day. You’re welcome to sign up for any number of days that work for your schedule.

Why? Because it’s going to be fun!!!

Email izzy@friendsoftheinyo.org for more information or to sign up.

2026 Backcountry Film Festival: A Reel Good Night for SnowSchool

It was powerful to see the community come together at Mammoth Mountain on Saturday night to support SnowSchool. The fest was fittingly in line with Dave McCoy’s belief in getting kids outside, playing in the snow. The packed house of over 260 attendees shared a night of winter storytelling, laughter, and shared stoke for the Eastern Sierra.

Folks tried their luck on raffle prizes, ate plenty of popcorn, and picked up free swag from local vendors like Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center and Eastside Sports. From generous raffle donors to dedicated community members, it was incredible to see so many people rally around SnowSchool. With the support we received this weekend, we’re excited to bring SnowSchool to hundreds of local students this winter.

Thank you to everyone who came out and made Saturday night so special. And a heartfelt thank you to Mammoth Mountain for donating the venue and to their fantastic staff who made sure the event ran smoothly from start to finish.

Join Friends of the Inyo's Water Empowerment Organizers for a virtual workshop series about water management in Payahuunadü!

As part of the Revealing Payahuundü series, over five sessions, we will break down and cover the Inyo-LA Long Term Water Agreement and other governing documents that determine how water is managed in Payahuunadü. Learn with us every other Thursday, 6:00-7:30 pm, starting on February 19th!

Virtual Workshop #1 - Water Management: Introduction & Background

Thursday, February 19th

6:00 - 7:30 pm

REGISTER FOR FREE TODAY

On behalf of the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission, the Great Basin Water Network, and Friends of the Inyo, we would like to invite you to join the 4th Annual Great Basin Water Justice Summit- now a monthly virtual series for the 2025-2026 year. The summit aims to foster an open dialogue about environmental advocacy that spans the Great Basin, and with this new format we will be able to ensure these conversations are ongoing, providing opportunities for us to share knowledge, connect, and consider new futures together throughout the year. We will showcase successful initiatives to address challenges facing the Great Basin tribes, environmentalists, and other community members. Through this community time together, we will create actionable strategies to mobilize existing resources and strengthen regional relationships.

February 11th, 5:30-7:30 PM Pacific: Ashley Hemmers, Tribal Administrator at Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, will be speaking, with Neal Desai from National Parks Conservation Association supporting in a Q&A following the presentation, about the history of the fight against Cadiz’s proposed water project, as they have been leaders in this campaign for decades. They’ll also share about what the Stop Cadiz coalition has been up to, and how to join them as accomplices in the fight.

REGISTER FOR FREE HERE

On April 17-19, 2026, Friends of the Inyo will host its annual Owens Lake Bird Festival in the "Little Town with Lots of Charm" that is Lone Pine in Southern Inyo County.

We are excited about this year’s lineup. We have some familiar favorites, some new tours, and some new faces on well-established tours.

Early Bird tickets will go on sale on Tuesday, February 17th, at 6:00 am.

Registration will open up for the general public on Tuesday, March 3rd.

What are Early Bird tickets? These are tickets available to Friends of the Inyo members. What does this mean? FOI supporters with active membership (those who donated $35 or more to Friends of the Inyo within the last year) will have the first opportunity to get tickets and sign up for tours. Stay tuned to your inbox for our exclusive members-only e-mail announcement when ticket sales and sign-ups go live on February 17th. Please e-mail any questions about the Owens Lake Bird Festival to kayla@friendsoftheinyo.org.

Want to make sure your membership is current and in good standing? Donate a minimum of $35 today by going to FriendsoftheInyo.org/Donate. Thank you!

Support the Owens Lake Bird Festival: donate goods or experiences for the 2026 bird festival silent auction! Email allison@friendsoftheinyo.org