California Biodiversity Council
c/o CAL FIRE FRAP
PO Box 944246
Sacramento, CA 94244
(916) 445-5845
(916) 324-1180 fax lauren.mcnees@fire.ca.gov

Right Column

California Biodiversity News: Spring 2002, Volume 9, Number 1

From The Chair: Mary D. Nichols, Secretary for Resources and CBC Chair, talks about the success of the Natural Communities Conservation Plans (NCCP) and the new law to aid the program in conserving even more.

CBC to hold March Meeting with Southwest Strategy: The Biodiversity Council has joined with the Southwest Strategy for a joint meeting on March 13 and 14 in Yuma, Arizona.

California Watershed Management Report: The Resources Agency and the State Water Resources Control Board have teamed up for a joint Task Force to evaluate the state of watershed management in California.

Member Spotlight - United States Geological Survey: USGS is the nation's largest water, earth and biological science and civilian mapping agency. Find out exactly what they do in California!

California Legacy Project Update: Besides changing the name from CCRISP, read about the Legacy Project's other current activities.

10th Anniversary Photo Gallery: The Biodiversity Council celebrated ten years since the signing of the MOU in 1991. See photos taken at the Yosemite Valley celebration.

Bridging Borders:
A series of articles offering insightful background for the upcoming joint meeting with the Southwest Strategy in Yuma, Arizona.

• A Brief History of the Southwest Strategy: Find out about the Southwest Strategy, and its southwestern collaboration efforts.
• The Mighty Colorado: Some of the most contentious resource battles occur over the Colorado River - find out why.
• Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program: A first-of-its kind conservation program addressing the reliability of water and power resources provided by the Colorado River.
• Yuma East and West Wetlands Projects: Find out about an amazing effort to revitalize the wetlands at the confluence of the Colorado and Gila rivers.
• Unexpected Recreation Opportunities: Don't fall into the commom myth about the Sonoran Desert - this beautiful area has much more to offer than just dry heat.
• The Yuma Crossing - A Gateway to History: Read a bit of little-known history and find out why Yuma was recently designated as the second National Heritage Area west of the Mississippi.

Fourth Annual Joint Meeting with RCRC: The Biodiversity Council met with the Regional Council of Rural Counties in October. Read about the informative day of discussions regarding community fire protection.

Modesto Meeting Focused on Agriculture: The November meeting in Modesto highlighted challenges facing the agricultural community.

National Biological Information Infrastructure: Valuable information on a data sharing effort between a plethora of agencies and interests. UC Davis hosts the California region.

New CBC Representative: Steve Bennett, Ventura County Supervisor, joins the California Biodiversity Council representing the South Coast Regional Association of Counties.

Superior Service Award: Find out who the Council awarded a Superior Service Award to at the regional meeting in Modesto.

Energy Update - Highlighting the California Power Authority: The California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority is charged with ensuring that we never again face electricity shortages or outrageous price. Find out how they plan to do it.

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

Upcoming Events: This calendar provides a look at upcoming biodiversity-related events for 2002.