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Sierra Nevada Alliance 2006 Youth Track
Three days of Sierra conservation workshops, outstanding speakers, field trips and FUN!
The Youth Track at the Sierra Nevada Alliance Conference is geared for individuals 14-20. It is an opportunity for youth who either live and/or love the Sierra to learn more about the issues and to get involved. The Youth Track is full of workshops, projects, and field trips that we hope inspire our up and coming leaders to engage in conservation activities in their own communities. Of course, youth should feel free to explore all of the great workshops & field trips that the conference has to offer. Activities start on Friday and continue till Sunday afternoon. For more information please check out our website at http://www.sierranevadaalliance.org/conference/. For information about the youth track in particular, contact Megan Suarez-Brand, 530.542.4546, megan@sierranevadaalliance.org.
Note: NNREC has some limited scholarship help for middle and high school students from both the Nevada and California sides of the Lake Tahoe basin (only), for $50, half of the registration fee. If you are interested in scholarship help for attending the youth track, please contact Dan Allison, director@nnrec.org, 775-882-2375. Since Dan is backpacking for most of July, you may not get a rapid response, but you will by August 1, and scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis up to the limit of our scholarship fund.
Youth Program
Friday, August 11
9:00-11:00
Youth Track: Tahoe Research Group Boat Trip on Tahoe (Advanced sign-up required-see reg form)
11:00-1:00
Lunch on your own or bring a bag lunch and join others on the beach. (Lunch not included)
1:00- 4:00
Conservation 101. Guided youth conservation activities, team building, and time on the lake. (Meet on patio)
5:00-6:00
Youth Delegate Welcome & Orientation (Meet in Lobby)
5:00-8:00
Reception (all ages)
Saturday, August 12
7:30-8:30
Registration & Continental Breakfast
(Breakfast for youth conference registrants’ included. Youth brown-baggers please bring your own bagels.)
8:45-9:00
Welcoming Remarks
9:00-10:00
Keynote Speaker: Lee Stetson (aka John Muir)
Since 1983, Lee Stetson has been presenting dramatic live enactments of John Muir in Yosemite and around the world. In 2003, Stetson took office as a member of the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors. Come hear why he thinks John Muir was one of our best wilderness conservation advocates, and what inspired him to become a conservationist.
10:00 –11:00
Generations of Our Stories Making a Difference
Hear from different generations of Sierra leaders their personal stories of saving Sierra special places. Panel Includes—Patty Brissenden (Friends of Hope Valley), Paul McFarland (Friends of the Inyo) and a special youth speaker.
11:15-Noon
Sierra Nevada Alliance Annual Meeting & Group Reports
Hear member groups share their recent victories and plans for the year. Learn about restoring Hetch Hetchy to saving jumping frogs in Calaveras County.
Noon – 1:00
Lunch on the deck overlooking Lake Tahoe
(Youth registrants’ lunch included. Youth brown-baggers don’t forget to bring your lunch.)
1:30-2:30
Member Group Reports Continued
2:40-4:00
Workshop Session 1: (Pick 1 workshop to attend)
· Critical habitat – do you know it when you see it? Hear the basics about identifying and mapping critical habitat in your area. What resources are needed, methods for mapping, and tools for educating resource managers about critical habitat.
· Need Water for Fish? – Water Trust Ideas for the Sierra: The Natural Heritage Institute is exploring establishing a Water Trust to help Sierrans purchase water rights for instream flow needs. Come learn more.
· Field Trip: Reviving Downtown Truckee – From Sprawl to Smart Growth: Come learn how Truckee has shifted its focus from sprawling, low-density development to compact, Sierra-centric smart growth. Visit the site of the innovative Truckee Railyard project, a major infill project, which is earning kudos from enviros and architects alike.
· Public Lands for Sale and the Latest Trends in Management: Come hear the latest on public land management in the Sierra under the Bush Administration. Threats, Opportunities, and Reality.
· Communicating Your Stories: Come to this workshop to learn how to communicate not through factoids that put the public into an overwhelm coma, but by using your stories and passion to inspire them to join you! This workshop is lead by the Saving the Sierra team working with public radio and other forums to communicate Sierra stories to the nation.
4:00-6:00
Youth Team Building Activities/Break Time
6:00
Dinner, Silent Auction, Awards and Party
( Youth registrants’ dinner included. Youth Brown-baggers you are on your own for dinner but make sure you come back to the party!)
Sunday, August 13
7:30-8:45
Registration & Continental Breakfast
(Breakfast for youth conference registrants’ included. Youth brown-baggers bring your own bagels.)
8:30-9:30
Inspirational Speaker: Malcolm Margolin, Heyday Books
Malcolm Margolin is an independent publisher and an author. In 1974 he founded Heydey Books out of Berkeley home. Three decades later this publishing house continues to chronicle California and Sierra Nevada history and culture. Come hear his story of falling in love with California, its history and culture and how he has made a difference as a storyteller.
9:30-12:00
BMP Restoration Project in North Lake Tahoe
Help conduct a BMP-best management practices restoration project that will help contribute to keeping Lake Tahoe blue.
(Meet in lobby. Wear comfortable work shoes and clothing that can get dirty. Bring a hat, work gloves, sunscreen and plenty of water.)
12:00-12:45
Travel back to Conference Center, Clean-up & Youth Track Wrap-up
12:45-2:00
Lunch on the deck overlooking Lake Tahoe
(Youth conference registrants’ lunch included. Youth brown-baggers don’t forget to bring your lunch. )
1:15
Closing Speaker: Calaveras County Supervisory Steve Wilensky
For more than 20 years he has been a community leaser in Calaveras County active with numerous groups including the local watershed council and Blue Mountain Community Renewal Council. Now as a Calaveras County Supervisor he is working to pass onto the next generation the natural beauty, independence and character of our communities. Hear his story and vision for the Sierra.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Youth Track Conference Registration Form
Name: __________________________________________Age: ___________________
Organization: ____________________________________________________________
Mailing Address: __________________________________________________________
City: _________________________________ ST: ______________ Zip: _______________
Home Phone: _______________________ Work Phone: _________________________
Email: _____________________________________________________________________
____ Please sign me up for the Tahoe Boat Trip on Friday August 11th
RATES (14-20 years of age)
______ Youth Track Conference Registration (includes all meals Sat/Sun) $100
______ Youth Track Brown-bag Conference Registration (no meals included) $FREE
(Conference space is limited register early! Please note that there are plenty of delis,
grocery stores and restaurants walking distance from the conference facilities.)
CAMPING
The Sierra Nevada Alliance has reserved a few campsites at the Mt. Rose campground for youth to camp together. There will be adult chaperones at the campground. Any questions please call Megan at the Sierra Nevada Alliance 530-542-4546.
___ Yes, I’d like to camp with other youth attendees. (Limited spaces –register early!)
___ No thanks I have my own accommodations.
