Online Registration is now closed. Walk-in registration will be available each day starting at 8 a.m.  Pricing for Members  $75 per day or 2 days for $125; Non-Members $95 per day or 2 days for $190.  Hope you can join us!

Join us for two days of inspiring speakers, great workshops and terrific networking!

Friday, August 19th: Sponsored By: The Sierra Nevada Conservancy

Transitions in the Range of Light: Exploring Land Use and Sustainability Solutions for the Sierra

8:00-9:30:  Registration and Continental Breakfast

9:00-9:10: Welcoming Remarks: Besty Reifsnider, Alliance Board President and Joan Clayburgh, Executive Director of the Sierra Nevada Alliance

 9:10-9:30: Orientation to Crowdbrite and Your Stories: Working Toward a Sustainable Sierra Project. Darin Dinsmore, CEO Crowdbrite

9:30-10:15: Opening Keynote Speaker: John Laird, California Secretary for Natural Resources

Sponsored By: Chatten-Brown & Carstens

Mr. Laird was appointed California Secretary for Natural Resources by Governor Jerry Brown on Jan. 5, 2011. The Natural Resources Agency restores, protects and manages the state's natural, historical and cultural resources for current and future generations.

Prior to his appointment, Mr. Laird spent 35 years in public service, including 23 years as an elected official. While serving the maximum three terms in the Assembly, Laird authored 82 bills that were signed into law, including the landmark Sierra Nevada Conservancy. For his leadership role in establishing the Conservancy, the Sierra Nevada Alliance presented Mr. Laird with the Dean Malley Sun Tzu Award.

Other legislation that Mr. Laird authored that became law restored community college health services, expanded and clarified state civil rights protections, and significantly expanded water conservation. Most recently, he taught state environmental policy at University of California Santa Cruz. For Mr. Laird's full bio, please click here

10:30-Noon: Workshop Session 1

I. Working within the New Political Climate in California

Sponsored By: The Mono Lake Committee

The goal of this workshop is to highlight the new directions, opportunities and challenges for the Sierra with the Jerry Brown administration, new legislators in the capital and the realities of local economic and electoral changes.  In this new context, what environmental legislation can be passed and how will SB375, AB 32 and other climate, land use and sustainability regulations and initiatives be implemented? How does this new state climate impact local conservation efforts?

Panelists: 

Autum Bernstein, Director, ClimatePlan

Elizabeth "Izzy" Martin, CEO, Sierra Fund

Pamela Flick, California Program Director, Defenders of Wildlife

II. Broadening & Diversifying Support for Sustainable Solutions in the Sierra

Sponsored By: CalTrout Eastern Sierra

The benefits of planning for climate change and implementing sustainable practices go beyond environmental benefits. This workshop will examine ways to move beyond the environmental message to get a diverse range of Sierra residents to recognize and implement sustainable practices that benefit our local economies, build communities and preserve our rural character and western heritage!

Panelists:

Christina Prestella, Program Manager - Green Communities/Innovator Pilots, Pacific Gas and Electric

David Hansen, Director of Engineering, Embassy Suites

Betsy Reifsnider, State Policy Director, California Interfaith Power and Light, Alliance Board President

III. Sustainable Forests and Healthy Communities

Come discover collaborative forestry efforts occurring throughout the Sierra to engage diverse, local groups of organizations in key areas to revitalize the forested watersheds, economies and communities.  A focus is deriving new and innovative economic growth from our forests by putting people back to work conducting forest stewardship work in Sierra under-served rural region. Organized by the Sierra Nevada Conservancy.

Panelists:

Kim Carr, Sierra Nevada Conservancy (moderator)

Jim Branham, Executive Officer, Sierra Nevada Conservancy

Craig Thomas, Executive Director, Sierra Forest Legacy

Jonathan P. Kusel, Sierra Institute

Noon-1:30: Lunch & Silent Auction

1:30-3:00: Workshop Session 2

I. Climate Action Plans: Creating an Advocate's Checklist

Sponsored By: CrowdBrite

This interactive workshop will feature land use and climate change experts, flip charts, markers and lively discussions as we work to create an advocate's checklist for what should be included in a model general plan's climate action plan.

Introduction By: Bob Johnston, Alliance Board

Workshop Leader:

Richard Taylor, Partner, Shute Mihaly & Weinberger LLP

II. Two Steps Left, Three Steps Right: How to Mount an Effective Campaign in the New Tea Party Climate:

This workshop will examine organized opposition to environmental campaigns and explore strategies to successfully win campaigns in our new political and economic context.

Panelist:

Steven Frisch, President, Sierra Business Council

Stevee Duber, High Sierra Rural Alliance

Steve Wilensky, Calaveras County Supervisor, District 2

III. Embassy Suites Green Building Tour

Sponsored By: Camp Lotus

This year's Conference facility is a model for hotels around the nation, proving you can save big money with green building retrofits. From efficient lighting to washing the laundry with ozone to a massive food waste composting program, the Embassy Suites in South Lake Tahoe has gone above-and-beyond with greening up the hotel.  David Hansen, building engineer, will give you a behind-the-scenes tour of the hotel and share some clever strategies he used to get the hotel to make the capital investments necessary for these amazing retrofits.

Introduction By: Kay Ogden, Development & Communication Director

Tour Leader:

David Hansen, Director of Engineering, Embassy Suites

3:15-4:30:  Plenary - Communities in Action: Models of Planning for Resilience and Sustainability

Sponsored By: Terry and Carol Manning in honor of Trudy Welsh

Throughout the Sierra, communities are taking action to become more sustainable. Learn from three different groups that are blazing paths to sustainability in their communities with win-win solutions and innovative, creative projects that raise awareness and inspire action to meet the triple bottom line of economic, social and environmental success.

Panelists:

Alex Gamboa, Executive Director, Envirolution

Mali Dyck, Alliance for Post-Petroleum Local Economy (A.P.P.L.E.)

Nicole DeJonghe, Sierra Business Council

4:30-5:00 Closing Remarks:

Thoughts of the day by: Jim Branham, Executive Officer, Sierra Nevada Conservancy

Mt. Whitney Award Presentation to Jan Chatten-Brown

 5:15-8:00: Reception at MacDuff's Public House (no-host)

Please join us at Macduff's Public House just minutes from Embassy Suites in South Lake Tahoe, CA. Come and enjoy cocktails and/or dinner on their outdoor patio, a perfect place to catch up with old and new friends. A special menu will be created for Alliance conference attendees, so please bring your appetites and stories.

Saturday, August 20th - Sponsored by: The Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment

8:00-9:00: Registration and Continental Breakfast

9:00-9:15: Welcome by Betsy Reifsnider-President and Joan Clayburgh-Executive Director, Sierra Nevada Alliance

9:15-10:00: Keynote Speaker: Jack Ohman

Jack Ohman will share his hilarious take on the environmental politics of the day and demonstrate why humor is important for Sierra conservation.  Jack Ohman is one of the top five syndicated editorial cartoonists in the country with work regularly appearing in most US newspapers including The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and The Washington Post among 329 others.  He is based out of The Oregonian and has been inspiring people across the nation with his humor since he started in 1981. Not only has he written and illustrated nine books such as "Angler Management," but he won the 2009 Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award, the 2010 Society of Professional Journalists Award and numerous others. Come hear and see Jack Ohman's latest take on the state of the environment and national politics and his tips for surviving as Sierra conservationists.

10:00-Noon: Member Group Reports and Sierra Nevada Alliance Annual Meeting

Sponsored By: Shute Mihaly & Weinberger LLP

*Get a quick update from the Alliance and briefly elect Board members.

*Tissiak Award Presentation to Peter Van Zant

*Hear inspiring reports from Sierra Nevada Alliance Member Groups on what they have accomplished and what they're doing next to protect and restore Sierra lands, water, wildlife and communities.

Noon-1:30: Lunch & Silent Auction

Enjoy lunch with new and old friends. Meat options are available for the non-vegetarians. Make silent bids on beautiful art, excellent recreational equipment, wonderful trips, and other desirable and sometimes wacky items. Auction proceeds help cover conference costs.

1:30-3:00: Workshop Session 3

I.  Very Advanced Communication

Pretty much everything we do depends on getting other people to act. This session focuses on: 1. How to build rapport quickly and genuinely. 2. The five major ways that people sort and process information. 3. Tailoring your language precisely so your message is appreciated. 4. Doing all this in a genuine, authentic and respectful way that helps you accomplish your goals.

Workshop Leader:

Will Murray, Will Murray Company

Will Murray has worked with more than 400 conservation organizations in 48 states, Australia, Canada, China, Indonesia and Kenya.  He specializes in helping organizations achieve their goals through management consulting training and coaching. Will is a native Californian, has worked for the Yosemite Institute, The Nature Conservancy and Island Conservation, and has 15 years consulting experience.

II. 21st Century Water In The Sierra - A Dam Doesn't Run Through It

Sponsored by: the Rose Foundation for Communities & The Environment

Hear the positives and negatives of water recycling, rainwater capture, gray water reuse, water efficiency, water metering and development offsets. Hear about these possible solutions in a Sierra rural context. What are the challenges and opportunities for a reliable and clean water supply and dare we say a water supply that even stewards our ecosystems?

Panelists:

Peter Van Zant, Field Director, Sierra Watch

Kirk T. Taylor, Ph. D, Owner,  Sierra Foothill Water Management

Heather Cooley, Pacific Institute

Chris Wright, Foothill Conservancy

III. Drawing the Line Against Clearcutting - From Battle Creek to Your Watershed

Sponsored By: Sierra Club

Let's link up watershed-to-watershed to ensure that the campaign to stop clearcutting in the Sierra has a clear voice in/is led by the communities most directly impacted by this outmoded, ecologically damaging forest management practice.  We will explore the Battle Creek case study as an example of how to tell our story to the public - with an emphasis on visual mapping and how to leverage media coverage to attract new allies, build statewide awareness, take action and have an impact.  Participants from various watershed groups will share updates, lessons learned, and strategies for organizing statewide. Breakout groups will discuss how to best publicize the clearcutting issue and identify opportunities for joint, creative actions in the upcoming year. Please bring your ideas and input!

Panelists:

Terry Davis, Conservation Program Coordinator, Sierra Club Mother Lode Chapter

Addie Jacobson, Board Member, Ebbets Pass Forest Watch, Alliance Board Member

Jack Ellwanger, President, Pelican Network

3:00-4:00: Closing Remarks by Alliance past Presidents Terry Manning and Jan  Chatten-Brown.

* Dean Malley Sun Tzu Award Presentation to WildPlaces

* Aztec Dance by Chico Garza

Field Trips

Thursday, August 18th

8:45-4:30:  "Serving the Sierra: Pacific Crest Trail Restoration and Rehabilitation Project"

Join the Sierra Nevada AmeriCorps Members and Alliance Staff as we 'Serve the Sierra' and complete a trail rehabilitation project with the Pacific Crest Trail Association on the northbound section of the Pacific Crest Trail from Echo Lakes. Participants will meet at Echo Lakes at the top of Echo Summit on Highway 50 at 8:45 am. Bring your lunch and get ready to get dirty! Please RSVP to Morgan Fessler, Program Director, at morgan@sierranevadaalliance.org Once your RSVP has been received, you will be emailed detailed directions and a packing list for the day.

Sunday, August 21st

9:00-11:00: "Birding in Lake Tahoe"

Experience Mother Nature and the great outdoors Sunday morning after the Conference! Join the Sierra Nevada Alliance and bird expert Sheryl Ferguson for "Birding in Lake Tahoe". Come learn about the wondrous native birds of the Tahoe Basin and enjoy beautiful scenery and great company. Participants will meet at the Cove East Trailhead in South Lake Tahoe about 15 minutes from Embassy Suites. Coming from Stateline heading toward the Y drive about 4 miles, then turn right onto Tahoe Keys Blvd. Follow Tahoe Keys Blvd. for about one mile then make a right onto Venice Drive. There will be parking on the side of the road right before the marked trailhead on the right. Contact: Carissa@sierranevadaalliance.org for more information.

Registration Information

Pre-registration ends August 15, so make sure to get your tickets at the pre-registration discounted rate before then! Pre-registration is available through this invitation, online at www.sierranevadaalliance.org or by phone: 530-542-4546. Online registration takes both credit card and check by mail. Walk-in registration August 19 & 20 will be available, space providing. Please check back here often as we will be updating the agenda with new speakers and more information.

Lodging Information

For a full list of lodging and campgrounds in the South Lake Tahoe, CA area please click here