The Sierra Fund’s signature Annual Winter Legislative Reception in Sacramento attracts hundreds of people from in and around the State Capitol, ranging from Senators and Assembly Members to appointed officials and agency staff, as well as leaders from throughout the Sierra Nevada. This event brings urban legislators and staff into contact with rural folks, and for many Sierrans it is their only annual opportunity to gather and interact with elected decision makers. The event always features recognition of policy leaders who are honored with The Sierra Fund’s coveted “Golden Pinecone” Sierra Nevada Leadership Award acknowledging their extraordinary contribution to the Sierra.
The Sierra Fund has previously honored the following visionary leaders for their service to the Sierra:
2018
Assembly Member Eduardo Garcia
Former Senator & Assembly Member Loni Hancock
Former Senator & Assembly Member Lois Wolk
Assembly Member Bill Quirk
Congressman Jared Huffman
2017
Senator John Burton
David Bunn CA, Department of Conservation Director
Martha Guzman Aceves, former member of the Governor’s staff
2016
Governor Jerry Brown, for his support for reforming regulations to protect California’s water quality
Senator Ben Allen, for his leadership in authoring and leading successful passage of legislation to protect water quality
Assemblymember Anthony Rendon, for his consistent support for protecting Sierra Nevada natural resources
2015
Longstanding Sierra Nevada Conservancy Board Members: John Brissenden, BJ Kirwan, and Bob Kirkwood, for their outstanding commitment and leadership throughout the years
2014
Assemblymember Richard Gordon
Senator Fran Pavley
2013
Major General Anthony Jackson, USMC (Ret), Director of California State Parks
Assemblymember Brian Dahle, District 1 Assemblymember and long-time Sierra Nevada Conservancy Board Member.
2011
Secretary of Resources John Laird, California’s new Secretary of Resources and former Board Member of The Sierra Fund
2009
Senator Patricia Wiggins
Senator Lois Wolk
Assemblymember Jared Huffman
2008
Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg
Assemblyman John Laird for his outstanding contributions to protecting and restoring the special communities and natural resources of the Sierra Nevada during his tenure in the California State Assembly 2002 – 2008
