This Saturday, October 12th, 2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal day for our mountain and foothill communities, offering two vital events that tackle the pressing issues our region faces. These events will provide an opportunity to learn, engage, and raise your voices for the future of our forests and schools, making it a day to mark on your calendar!
Event 1: "Our Forest, Our Choice" - A Presentation by John Mount and Walt Page
Taking place from 1 PM to 2 PM at the Museum of the Sierra in Shaver Lake, John Mount, a lifelong forestry expert, and his grandson Walt Page will lead a crucial conversation titled "Our Forest, Our Choice." This presentation dives deep into the historical changes our forests have undergone and the critical decisions we now face regarding forest management.
Why This Presentation Matters
Our local forests are at a crossroads. The Creek Fire, which burned nearly 400,000 acres of forest, serves as a devastating reminder of the vulnerability of our natural landscape. As John Mount and Walt Page will explain, additional hundreds of thousands of acres of forestland have been lost since the early 1900s due to unsustainable practices. This dramatic loss of habitat has impacted thousands of wildlife species, leading to questions about the recovery and future of our ecosystem.
Forests in the Sierra Nevada are no longer as resilient as they once were, primarily due to poor public policy, misguided environmental legislation, and a lack of public knowledge about the issues our regions face. Mount and Page will explore the steps needed to correct past mistakes and ensure that our forests are capable of thriving for generations to come. The presentation promises to be an engaging look at the challenges ahead:
How do we restore what's been lost?
What will our forests look like in 10, 20, or 100 years?
Can we prevent future catastrophic wildfires?
How do we balance reforestation efforts with the current rate of loss?
This conversation is more that just an educational session; it's a call to action. The fate or our forests is in our hands, and it's up to our local communities to lead the charge. John Mount's six decades of experience in forestry and his passion for sustainable forest management make this an invaluable opportunity to learn from someone deeply connected to the land. Walt Page's involvement brings a multigenerational perspective to the conversation, showing that forest stewardship is a legacy that must be carried forward.
Event Details
Location: Museum of the Sierra, 42642 Tollhouse Road, Shaver Lake, CA
Time: 1 PM - 2 PM (Check-in starts at 12:30 PM)
Admission: $5 for adults, free for Museum members
Coffee and snacks provided
After this presentation, you'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how our choices today will shape the forests of tomorrow. Don't miss this critical event, especially if you care about preserving the natural beauty of our mountain region for future generations.
Event 2: Meet Joe Denham, Aspiring Sierra Unified Board Member
After being inspired by the presentation at the Museum of the Sierra, head over to The Orchard at Meadow Lakes for a community conversation with Joe Denham, a local candidate running for the Sierra Unified School Board. The Q&A will start at 3:30 PM, giving you ample time to reflect on the forest presentation, talk to John, and make your way to this equally important event.
Why This Conversation is Crucial
Education plays a foundational role in the success and wellbeing of our mountain communities. With schools serving as the heart of our local culture, it's more important than ever to elect leaders who are committed to the best interests of our children, educators, and families. Joe Denham is one such leader, passionate about fostering strong relationships between schools and their communities (he recently put his personal cell number in the local paper!), improving educational outcomes, and addressing the unique challenges facing Sierra Unified.
The Sierra Unified School District faces a variety of issues that directly impact local students, from budget constraints and teacher shortages to a lack of resources for rural schools. Joe Denham aims to address these challenges head-on and ensure that every student in our district has access to a quality education.
During the Q&A, Joe will be answering questions from the community, offering his vision for the future of our schools, and seeking input on what matters most to local families. Whether you're a parent, educator, or concerned community member, this is a valuable opportunity to engage directly with someone who wants to represent your voice on the school board. His focus is on transparency, collaboration, and making decisions that benefit students first and foremost. Coffee and snacks will also be available, so come prepared to chat, listen, and be part of the conversation that will help shape the future of our schools.
Event Details
Location: The Orchard at Meadow Lakes (Farm Store and Apple Barn)
Time: 3:30 PM
Coffee and snacks available
Why You Should Attend Both Events
These two events provide an incredible opportunity to become more engaged in the pressing issues that affect our mountain and foothill communities. From the health of our forests, to the future of our schools, we are at a crucial moment where our voices and actions can make a difference. Both John Mount's presentation and Joe Denham's Q&A session offer unique insights into the challenges we face and how we can rise to meet them.
Forests: Our forests are facing unprecedented challenges with poor public policy and knowledge, bad environmental (and U.S. Forest Service policy), and climate change. If we don't take action now, we risk losing not only the natural beauty that defines our region but also the critical ecosystem services our forests provide, such as clean air, water, and habitat for wildlife. The decisions we make in the coming years will have long-lasting consequences for generations to come.
Schools: Our children's education is at a crossroads, and it's essential that we elect leaders who will prioritize their needs and advocate for the resources our schools require. Rural schools like those in the Sierra Unified School District often face unique challenges that require creative and thoughtful solutions. Joe Denham's candidacy represents a new opportunity to address these challenges and ensure a brighter future for our students and families.
In times like these, it's more important than ever to come together as a community, share our ideas, and support initiatives that will have a lasting impact. Whether it's learning how to protect our forests or engaging with the future of our local schools, your voices matter.
Make a day of it this Saturday.
Start at the Museum of the Sierra for an eye-opening presentation on our forests.
Then head to The Orchard at Meadow Lakes to participate in a meaningful discussion on the future of our schools with Joe Denham.
Our community is stronger when we work together. Let's come out in full force on Saturday to support these important events and ensure a bright future for both our forests and our children.
See you there!
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