In This Issue:

From The Chair: Mary Nichols, Secretary for Resources and CBC Chair, implores Biodiversity members to conserve energy. Both efficiency and conservation go a long way towards maintaining our rich environmental heritage.

CBC to Meet in Chico: Find out about the upcoming meeting, March 14 & 15 in Chico. More topical information is available in a special section of this edition. . .CBC in Chico

CBC Revises Goals & Work Plan: This past year, various committees have worked hard to focus the mission of the Council. Find out about the revised theme of the Council.

CalTrans Partnering Program: Read about the nationally sponsored program that is changing the way the CalTrans Environmental Program does business.

Member Spotlight - Department of Conservation: Director Darryl Young highlights several programs of the DOC and how they fit in with the goals of the Biodiversity Council.

NAHC Joins the CBC: Find out about the newest member of the Biodiversity Council! Larry Myers, Executive Secretary for the Native American Heritage Commission, explains the role of the Commission in State government and its relationship to the Council.

CBC in Chico A series of articles describing various facets of the watershed-themed regional meeting in Chico coming up on March 14 & 15.

• Sacramento River Watershed Program: SWRP's Director gives a brief overview of the structure and purpose of this valuable Sacramento Valley effort.
• Conservation District in Butte County: All but five counties in California have a local Resource Conservation District. Find out how Butte County is planning on lowering that number to four.
• Coordinated Watershed Resource Management: CRMP: The new CRMP Coordinator explains the benefits of the California CRMP. Read on to find out just how the program can help you!
• Resource Management on Farms in Elkhorn Slough: The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has instituted a new program preventing tons (literally!) of dirt from washing into the Elkhorn Slough.
• Why Watersheds?: Read a syndicated piece by Phillip Wallin (River Network) on the benefits of viewing environmental resources from a watershed perspective.

Rohnert Park Preview: Find out what the CBC and the Regional Council of Rural Counties discussed and accomplished at their joint meeting in September 2000.

Coastal and Ocean Resources: Models for Protection & Management Explored: The Council traveled to Santa Barbara in November 2000 and delved into a variety of hot topics for the Southern California coast.

A Personal Perspective: Denise Naguib works for the Education & Science Division of the Santa Barbara-based Ocean Future's Society. Read about Denise's first experience with the CBC.

Local Forum Report: The gathering of the November coastal meeting including a variety of players involved in controlling polluted runoff in Santa Barbara County. The Manager of the Santa Barbara County Water Agency discussed the panels and outcomes of the local forum.

Eyes & Ears: Recent publications, videos, and websites that focus on environmental and biodiversity issues.

Upcoming Events: This calendar provides a look at biodiversity-related events occurring in the next few months.