July 2021 • ESLT News
Dear Conservation Hero,
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BOOM! The thunder is loud and near, the sky is getting dark and it’s starting to rain. I’m standing outside and watching and feeling, and trying not to also be afraid of what might come next: fire. With historic drought conditions and high temperatures, my guess is that a lot of us are on high alert. Our thoughts and hearts are with everyone who is being impacted by fire and smoke, especially our neighbors in Alpine County who are fighting the Tamarack Fire.
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While we continue to face challenges, 2021 is still full of high hopes and good things – like safely celebrating milestones with friends and family, and together continuing our important work of saving land for all of us to find solace and peace, and of course, for wildlife to call home. And together, we are making a difference: with the generosity of a willing landowner, we recently completed the Ullman Ranch Conservation Easement, just north of Bridgeport (read on for more!).
We really want to celebrate ESLT’s 20th Anniversary with you in person this year, so we’ve decided to go forward with an outdoor event in Bridgeport! And of course, we’ll keep tabs on Covid safety protocols and potential fire and smoke that could impact our ability to safely gather in person.
So let’s celebrate 20 years of dedicated work and
20,000 acres protected…so far!
We’ll be announcing more details soon, and until then, please mark your calendars for a special day of celebration in Bridgeport on September 11th!
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All our best,
Kay Ogden
Executive Director/CEO, ESLT
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Newly Protected!
Ullman Ranch Conservation Easement
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Ullman Ranch springtime photo by Rick Kattelmann, ESLT Board of Directors |
The heart of scenic Huntoon Valley is being preserved for water, wildlife, and sustainable cattle ranching through a conservation easement by rancher George “Corky” Ullman and ESLT. Thanks to Corky’s vision, our funding partners, and supporters like you, this beautiful, expansive ranch will remain open and thriving for generations to come.
North of the town of Bridgeport, at the foot of the Sweetwater Mountains, five miles of shining creeks and streams curve through bright green meadows in Huntoon Valley. Ullman Ranch protects habitat for Bi-State sage-grouse, which raise their chicks in the ranch’s wet meadows – the “emerald islands” so critical to wildlife in the arid West.
By agreeing not to subdivide and develop the ranch, Mr. Ullman is preserving a critical migration route for mule deer and securing habitat for a variety of wide-ranging wildlife such as sage-grouse, bees and butterflies, American badger, eagles, and songbirds.
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“Because of Corky’s vision, this scenic valley with a rich history will remain as it is today – a working landscape that is home to wildlife. I’m also thankful for the feeling of peace I get when I see the beautiful, wide open valley before me, and that is something that all of us can feel just driving past it on Highway 395.”
– Kay Ogden, Executive Director/CEO of Eastern Sierra Land Trust
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20th Anniversary
Lands & Legacy Celebration
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Celebrate 20,000 Acres Protected in 20 Years |
2021 marks the 20th Anniversary for Eastern Sierra Land Trust! We’re celebrating the protection of over 20,000 acres for future generations to enjoy and wildlife to roam free - forever, without development.
Kick-Off Celebration
August 26th at 6pm
Raise a glass with fellow members in ESLT’s backyard
Online Celebration
August 28th - September 7th
Catch inspiring speakers and engage in virtual activities
Lands & Legacy Celebration
September 11th
Gather for a land tour, then a mouth-watering dinner outside at Bridgeport Barns & Terraces with breathtaking views, and ESLT’s energizing Paddle Raise finale!
Mark your calendars for these inspiring celebrations - safely outdoors or online - that we think you won’t want to miss. We can’t wait to gather with you again!
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ESLT's Renewal of LTA Accreditation Stakeholder Notification and Public Notice |
The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Eastern Sierra Land Trust is pleased to announce it is applying for our second renewal of accreditation. A public comment period is now open.
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Earth Day Youth Art Contest Results |
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ESLT’s first Earth Day Youth Art Contest has wrapped up with some inspiring young artists!
Congratulations to ESLT’s Earth Day Youth Art Contest Winners!
Alexzander G.
Macie O.
Leslie A.
And the Honorable Mentions!
Penelope C.
Melannie J.
And thank you to our Judges:
Lori Michelon, Lynn Peterson, and Gabrielle Tribelli, ESLT Education Coordinator and AmeriCorps Member
And thank you to our sponsor and gallery host:
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Bill Introduced to Grant Federal Recognition to Mono Lake Kutadika’a Paiute Tribe |
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Charlotte Lange, 67, chairwoman of the Mono Lake Kutzadika Paiute tribe, sits for a portrait in February on a bluff in Lee Vining overlooking the lake. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) |
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The legislation addresses the tribe’s decades-long struggle for indigenous sovereignty and would afford them the services, benefits, and rights provided to federally recognized tribes.
“The Mono Lake Kutzadika’a Tribe has a long history of advocating on their behalf with the federal government, helping to preserve and conserve Mono Lake as the center of their culture and history and protecting their traditional hunting and gathering lands...” said Rep. Obernolte.
“People nowadays, they see what we stand for, and we’re kind of fighting all the same fight--conservation, water rights, protecting the land,” said tribal member Jason Small. “I think this year will be our best shot.”
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Thank you for being a part of the ESLT family. With our caring landowners, volunteers, members, and supporters, we're protecting a bright future for the Eastern Sierra.
Sincerely,
Kay, Amanda, Carissa, Gabrielle, Heather, Sara, Sus, Tina, and our Board of Directors
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Together, Protecting our Wild and Working Lands
Eastern Sierra Land Trust is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, to which contributions may qualify as a charitable deduction for tax purposes.
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