Preservation

As use of public lands in the Eastern Sierra grows so do human impacts to the region's ecosystems. Maintaining the integrity of these resources by securing protective designations such as Wilderness is vital for both ecosystem viability as well as quality recreational experiences. Here are some of the current happenings in our Preservation program:

The Bodie Hills

One of our focus areas for 2011 and beyond is seeking long-term protection for the Bodie Hills, especially in light of threats such as large-scale gold mining. Please visit  www.bodiehills.org to learn more about our efforts as part of the Bodie Hills Conservation Partnership, and read about recent news regarding the Mono County Board of Supervisors vote to not support release of the Wilderness Study Area (learn about Bodie and other WSAs here.) For ongoing updates about current information on the Bodie Hills, please feel free to contact Drew Foster, FOI's Conservation Associate, by emailing him at drew@friendsoftheinyo.org or calling (760) 873-6500.

Friends of the Inyo Citizen Science

Our citizen science programs are dedicated to growing hands-on citizen stewards to preserve the wild places of our Eastside public lands and ensure our natural and recreational resources will be maintained for future generations. All ages are welcome! Join our efforts to monitor the priceless water quality, endangered species and cultural resources of the Eastern Sierra by participating in one of our two citizen science programs, Eastern Sierra water Watchers and the Fish Slough Volunteer Patrol. 

Ian Bell, FOI's Watershed Technician, oversees the Eastern Sierra Water Watchers, a program that ensures Eastern Sierra streams and watersheds remain beautiful and pristine, and the Fish Slough Volunteer Patrol, a partnership with the Bishop BLM to proect the wonderful ecological and cultural resources of the Fish Slough Area of Critical Environmental Concern just north of Bishop.

For more information about citizen science, please email Ian at ian@friendsoftheinyo.org or call (760) 873-6500.