Auburn, CA. –
The Sierra Nevada Conservancy will hold a number of public workshops throughout the region to gain input on community priorities and potential projects. The information will be used in the development of guidelines for program activity including grants, technical assistance and other support to communities. The SNC’s mission is to initiate, encourage, and support efforts that improve the environmental, economic and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, its communities and the citizens of California.
The Conservancy is a State agency created through legislation signed by Governor Schwarzenegger in September of 2004. It emphasizes collaboration and cooperation with local government, state and federal agencies and a variety of other partners, in developing and implementing its programs. Its area of responsibility consists of more than 25 million acres from the Oregon border to Kern County (about 25 percent of the state), including all or part of 22 counties and more than 200 communities.
Governor Schwarzenegger’s proposed 2007-08 State Budget includes $17.5 million for the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) for grants and other activities to further its mission. The funding will become available upon passage by the Legislature and the beginning of a new fiscal year on July 1, 2007. The Governor’s proposed funding is a result of the voters’ passage of Proposition 84 last November. That measure contained a total of $54 million for the SNC to implement its programs. This year’s proposed funding accounts for about one-third of those available funds.
“These public meetings are essential to help us understand local needs and priorities,” SNC Executive Officer Jim Branham said. “As we look to undertake programs to, among other things, protect natural resources, reduce the risk of catastrophic fire, preserve working ranches, farms and forests and increase recreational and tourism opportunities, learning from those who live in the community is critical.”
Information regarding the Conservancy and updates on the upcoming public workshops can be found at www.sierranevada.ca.gov.
