Dozens of Sierrans made their way to the California State Capitol for the annual Sierra Day in the Capitol on April 15, 2010. This year’s event was well attended with over 50 participants from 28 organizations and agencies. This enviable show of support and unity from and for our region will make a lasting impression on the State’s Legislators.
The event this year was sponsored by 19 organizations representing a wide array of interests in the Sierra, from ranchers to conservationists and local government officials. Senator Fran Pavely (Chair, Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee), and Assemblymember Jim Nielsen (Vice-Chair, Assembly Budget Committee) both gave illuminating talks about state issues that affect the Sierra.
The day long event began in the Governor’s office, and included visits with every member of the legislature and/or their staff. A beautiful display with photos from the Sierra, plus a new display called “Got Water” about the importance of Sierra water to all Californians, made an informative back drop for the day. After a hard day of walking the halls, Sierra enthusiasts attended a reception at the Leland Stanford Governor’s Mansion, sharing stories over light refreshments.
Sponsors of Sierra Day this year included:
Bear-Yuba Partnership
California Cattlemen’s Association
California Forestry Association
California Rangeland Trust
California Ski Industry Association
Caltrout
Mountain Counties Water Resources Association
Northern Sierra Partnership
Pacific Forest Trust
Planning and Conservation League
Regional Council of Rural Counties
Sierra Business Council
Sierra-Cascade Land Trust Council
Sierra Environmental Water Caucus
Sierra Nevada Alliance
Sierra Nevada Conservancy
Southern Sierra Partnership
The Sierra Fund
The Trust for Public Land
The SNC Website News and Events Page provides a link to materials used as handouts for the event: