What Difference Have We Made This Year?
Thoughts by Izzy Martin, CEO, The Sierra Fund December 19, 2011 Cleaning off my desk to prepare for holiday time off and a new year is a bit like an archeological dig. Dredging through…
2011
News and project updates from 2011.
Stories from 2011
Michael & Alicia Funk announce major gift to The Sierra Fund at Anniversary Party – and Governor Brown joins the celebration as well!
NEVADA CITY, 7 November 2011 – The Sierra Fund celebrated ten years of hard work to “save the Sierra” at their 10 Year Anniversary Event, Wednesday November 2 at the Citizen Hotel in downtown…
New study by TSF advisors shows high mercury in fish jerky
From Central Valley Business Times 31 October 2011 - Concentrations of mercury have been discovered in some fish jerky that averaged five times the U.S. government action levels, according to research at California State…
TSF Reports from the National Association of Abandoned Mine Lands Conference
NEVADA CITY, 7 November 2011 – The Sierra Fund made a big splash at the recent National Association of Abandoned Mine Lands Programs Conference held in Squaw Valley, CA. The Conference was cosponsored by…
EPA Finalizes California’s List of Polluted Waters, mercury in Sierra fish is a main concern
The following is excerpted from the 10/11/11 EPA Region 9 press release For more information, contact: Nahal Mogharabi, mogharabi.nahal@epa.gov For a local analysis of this information by the Union newspaper, see article below: “Many…
USEPA approves Delta Methylmercury TMDL, stakeholder meeting on Nov 10
From: Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (CVRWQCB) On 20 October 2011, the US Environmental Protection Agency approved the Delta Mercury Control Program (new fish tissue objectives, and TMDLs for the Delta and…
Petition to support Indigenous People and a global mercury treaty
From California Indian Environmental Alliance Click here to sign this petition! Mercury is a toxic substance that pollutes our environment through airborne releases from coal-fired power plants, cement manufacturers, incinerators, and large and small…
Action Alert: Protect Current Mine Reclamation Law
SACRAMENTO, 26 September 2011 - Mines currently considered abandoned by the State of California could get a “pass” from having to meet the requirements of current mine reclamation law, thanks to a bill now…
10-Year Anniversary Celebration Tomorrow, November 2
Please join us for a reception, auction, fundraiser and grand old time! John Laird, Michael Funk and Patty Brissenden will head the program as we celebrate 10 years of success in bringing new investment…
TSF releases new health education materials
As a follow up to our two recent studies on human exposure to legacy mining toxins, The Sierra Fund has produced new educational materials with precautionary guidelines for people who live, work or recreate…
CA Asbestos deposits mapped
From the LA Times August 23, 2011 Asbestos is in our state rock, and it's in more places than you might think. The U.S. Geological Survey this week released a comprehensive map of all…
Save the Date: Reclaiming the Sierra 2012 planned for May 3-5
Mark your calendars! The Sierra Fund’s second Community Summit, the only conference dedicated to addressing the impacts of historic mining in the Sierra Nevada, is now scheduled for May 3-5, 2012. The focus this…
TSF speaking at national AML conference in CA
The Sierra Fund is proud to be playing a strong role in the upcoming National Association of Abandoned Mine Lands Programs (NAAMLP) Conference, to be held October 9-12 in Squaw Valley, CA. We are…
Goldman Fund makes final gift in support of Mining Initiative
The Sierra Fund is honored to share that the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund has announced a final gift in support of our work to address legacy mining issues. Although the Goldman Fund is…
Gold Country Recreational Trails and Abandoned Mines Assessment (2011)
The physical dangers to recreationists at abandoned mine sites are well known, but the hazards associated with exposure to heavy metals in dust at abandoned mine sites are not well understood. This pilot study identified contaminants of concern (COC) at popular recreation areas around Downieville, Nevada City, and Foresthill, CA.
Abandoned Mines, Dust and You (Brochure)
This brochure covers precautionary measures to take when recreating around legacy mine sites, where there is potential heavy metals in dust. The brochure was created as a follow up to The Sierra Fund's two studies on human exposure to legacy mining toxins.
Suction Dredge Moratorium Extended
Yesterday, July 26, 2011, Assembly Bill 120 was approved by Governor Brown. Among many other measures, the bill imposes important new factors into the process to create new regulations for suction dredge mining. This…
ACTION ALERT: Suction dredge moratorium language on Governor’s desk
SACRAMENTO, 25 July 2011 - On July 14 the budget “trailer” bill, AB 120, was sent to Governor Brown for his signature. Among many other provisions, this bill adds clarification to the state Department…
$1 for State Parks Campaign
Alden Olmsted (son of legend John) is on a mission to save California’s state parks, $1 at a time. The Sierra Fund urges you to chip in to this heroic campaign (go to johnolmsted.net),…
State Water Board Approves Mercury Control Strategy for Fish in Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins
From the State Water Resources Control Board SACRAMENTO, 21 June 2011 - The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) has approved a strategy designed to ultimately reduce the amount of mercury and…
SNC releases draft grant guidelines for public review
From the Sierra Nevada Conservancy The Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) has released DRAFT Grant Guidelines for its 2011-12 Healthy Forest Grant Program funded by Proposition 84. The DRAFT Grant Guidelines are now available for…
TSF to discuss Idaho-Maryland Mine, prior to film showing July 27
NEVADA CITY – Wednesday, July 27 The Sierra Fund will participate in a panel discussion of the proposed Idaho-Maryland Mine, prior to a showing of award-winning film The Last Mountain. The Last Mountain is…
Deer Creek Tribute Trail Opens
23 June 2011, NEVADA CITY - California’s Resources Secretary John Laird was in town on Friday, June 3 to “cut the ribbon” officially opening the new Deer Creek Tribute Trail and the Chinese Tribute…
ACTION ALERT: Sign on to save California’s rivers and streams! (from Clean Water Action)
From Jennifer Clary, Clean Water Action I'm writing to ask for your support – The US EPA has recently released a draft “Guidance” document that clarifies in a very helpful and important way the…
TSF Science Director reports from Alaska Reclamation Workshop
23 June 2011, NEVADA CITY - The Sierra Fund Science Director Dr. Carrie Monohan attended the four-day Northern Latitudes Mining Reclamation Workshop in Fairbanks Alaska last month to learn new and innovative ways of…
Congratulations to CABY on recommendation for Planning and Implementation Funding
23 June 2011, NEVADA CITY - In addition to funding for updating their Integrated Regional Water Management Plan, CABY has been recommended for $3.1 million in implementation funding for 16 projects. Funded activities include…
Suction Dredge Regulatory Reform Update
23 June 2011, SACRAMENTO - Suction Dredge regulations have been under review by the CA Department of Fish and Game for almost two years now. The Sierra Fund and partners at Friends of the…
The Sierra Fund finds Wellness in Los Angeles
23 June 2011, NEVADA CITY - Elizabeth “Izzy” Martin, CEO of The Sierra Fund, attended the California Wellness 2011 Conference on Environmental Health held in Los Angeles at the JW Marriott Hotel in late…
ACTION ALERT: Support specialty license plate program bill
23 June 2011, SACRAMENTO - Assemblymember Solorio’s AB 610 to reform the Specialty License Plate program in California passed the Assembly on May 31 with 65 aye votes. This bill would make it easier…
Legal Petition Demands Stricter Protections from Mercury in Fish for Women and Children
Seafood Remains Top Source of Mercury Exposure in United States From GotMercury.org 20 June 2011, SAN FRANCISCO — Environmental and consumer organizations filed a legal petition today asking the U.S. Food and Drug Administration…
Oregon adopts strictest standards in United States for toxic water pollution
From The Oregonian By Scott Learn 16 June 2011 - Oregon's Environmental Quality Commission today adopted the strictest standards for toxic water pollution in the United States. The new rules, adopted on a 4-1…
TSF responds to Senator Gaines: Sound science explains the Sierra mercury problem
By: The Sierra Fund CEO Elizabeth “Izzy” Martin, and Science Director Carrie Monohan, Ph.D. We would like to provide some information in response to Senator Ted Gaines’s statements about mercury in his June 12…
TSF’s Comments on Suction Dredge Program Budget (2011)
In June 2011, The Sierra Fund, along with a variety of partners, drafted a letter to Governor Brown in a successful effort to retain budget language that pertained to suction dredge mining.
Congrats! Sierra County Land Trust Protects Volcano and Young America Lakes
from High Sierra Rural Alliance May 19, 2011 - Thanks to the herculean efforts of Laurie Oberholtzer of the Sierra County Land Trust and Carl Somers of the Trust for Public Land, three more…
TSF Releases New Study on Mercury Exposure in the Sierra
May 19, 2011 - As sunshine and warm breezes finally reach the Sierra Nevada Foothills, anglers across California reach for fishing poles, line, bait, and tackle. And as people head to their favorite fishing…
Gold Country Angler Survey (2011)
The Sierra Fund's Gold Country Angler Survey was a study that interviewed anglers at local fishing locations, to learn whether they were being exposed to mercury by eating the fish they catch. Results of the Gold Country Angler Survey indicated that approximately half of anglers at Sierra water bodies plan to eat what they catch that day, and nearly all report eating locally caught fish sometime in the last year.
TSF Suction Dredge SEIR Comments (2011)
In May 2011, The Sierra Fund commented on a supplemental Environmental Impact Report pertaining to suction dredge mining.
Call to Action: Final public hearing on Proposed Suction Dredge Mining Regulations Tuesday May 10
Call to Action: Final public hearing on Proposed Suction Dredge Mining Regulations Tuesday May 10 9am at the Resources Agency in Sacramento Next Tuesday, May 10 at 5:00 pm is the deadline for public…
The Sierra Fund Form 990 (2010)
The Sierra Fund's 2010 IRS Form 990.
License Plate Bill unanimously passes Assembly Transportation Committee
The Sierra Fund urges “yes” on AB 610 (Solario) Specialty License Plates On Monday, April 4 The Sierra Fund’s CEO Elizabeth “Izzy” Martin testified in support of Assemblymember Solorio’s AB 610 to reform the…
ACTION ALERT: Suction Dredge bill scheduled for hearing on April 12
The Sierra Fund urges No on SB 657 (Gaines): Maintain the moratorium on recreational suction dredge mining Please take action now—tell your elected officials to maintain the moratorium on recreational suction dredge mining. A…
Suction Dredge SEIR comment period to be extended
Public review of the draft regulations and Draft Subsequent Environmental Impact Report began on February 28, 2011. Please see Department of Fish and Game’s website for EIR documents and more information. Currently the public…
Stewardship Council Public Information Meetings now being held
From the Stewardship Council UPCOMING PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETINGS The Pacific Forest and Watershed Lands Stewardship Council (Stewardship Council) is developing and implementing a plan to preserve and enhance approximately 140,000 acres of PG&E-owned watershed…
TSF to present results of our Gold Country Angler Survey May 17
The Sierra Fund Science Director Dr. Carrie Monohan is on the agenda for the May 17, 2011 meeting of the Delta Tributaries Mercury Council. Dr. Monohan will present findings from TSF’s 2009-2010 Gold Country…
TSF receives SNC grant for assessment of Humbug Creek
PLACERVILLE, 4 March 2011 – Yesterday the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) Governing Board authorized a $197,592 grant to The Sierra Fund for a collaborative project with California State Parks to complete a Watershed Assessment…
Mining Policy Bills Introduced into CA Legislature 2011 Session
Summary by Elizabeth Martin, The Sierra Fund Five proposals that impact mining have been introduced in the California state legislature this year. The following is a brief description of each bill. SB 657, Gaines:…
Suction Dredge Supplemental Draft EIR released and public meetings scheduled
From Department of Fish and Game 29 February 2011 – The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) has completed the first round of environmental review documents related to California’s currently suspended Suction Dredge Permitting…
Former TSF staff member launches media consulting and public relations endeavor
On March 1st, former TSF Organizer and KVMR-FM Radio News Director, Mike Thornton, announced the launch of his latest endeavor, Social Equity Strategies: Media Consulting and Public Relations. According to Mike, "Social Equity Strategies…
SBC’s Sierra Leadership Institute seeks teams from Sierra communities
From Sierra Business Council Green energy and climate change innovators on the verge of greatness listen up. A group of likeminded organizations are throwing down the gantlet to encourage Sierra Nevada community teams to…
Information Repository established for BLM Deer Creek Project
NEVADA CITY, 1 March 2011 – An Information Repository has been established for the public to get available information about the Bureau of Land Management’s ongoing restoration project on Deer Creek. This information is…
TSF’s Annual Board Reception Honoring John Laird: February 16
USGS releases new reports on mercury in the South Yuba River and impacts of suction dredging
Mercury contamination in California’s South Yuba River Implications for recreational gold mining From United States Geological Survey Newsroom Released: 1/25/2011 6:00:00 AM SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Gold dredging that disturbs fine-grained, mercury-laden sediment in California’s…
UPDATE: Suction dredge meetings cancelled
From Department of Fish and Game There are no public meetings this week in Santa Clarita, Fresno or Sacramento nor are there any in Redding or Yreka next week. Some time ago DFG had…
Plumas-Eureka State Park to close for mine cleanup
From the Sacramento Bee By Matt Weiser mweiser@sacbee.com Published: Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011 - 12:00 am | Page 3B Portions of Plumas-Eureka State Park, near the town of Graeagle in the Sierra Nevada, will…
TSF’s Elizabeth Martin to speak at Environment and Water Resources Institute Symposium February 15
EWRI Sacramento Chapter Symposium 2011 Resiliency of Water Management – Dynamic Balancing in the 21st Century February 15, 2011 Hyatt Regency, 1209 L Street, Sacramento, California Main Program: 8:30 a.m. ‐ 4:30 p.m. ‐…
SNC Strategic Plan meetings coming up Feb 7th and 10th
from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy The Sierra Nevada Conservancy is in the process of developing a new Strategic Plan to guide our work over the next three years. With input from many stakeholders, we…
Governor recruits second Board member of The Sierra Fund for Leadership Post
SACRAMENTO, 20 January 2011 – Jerry Meral was sworn in yesterday as the Deputy Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency in charge of the Bay Delta Conservation Planning program. This is a repeat…
TSF’s Annual Board Reception Honoring John Laird: February 16
Please join The Sierra Fund Board, staff and Friends of the Sierra as we welcome the new administration and honor former board member John Laird, California’s new Secretary of Resources. This reception also kicks…
Proposed Sierra Nevada Conservancy Budget Released
Governor Jerry Brown’s much anticipated proposed budget for the State of California contains some good news for the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. As part of the 2010-2011 budget, the Governor proposed an operating budget of…
Sierra Day in the Capitol Scheduled for April 6
The Sierra Nevada Conservancy has set the date for Sierra Day in the Capitol for Wednesday, April 6th. Stay tuned for more information about attending this annual event. If you wish to sponsor the…
Another Victory for Litigation Loan Recipient High Sierra Rural Alliance
From High Sierra Rural Alliance Court Finds in Favor of HSRA: County Failed to Prepare EIR for McMorrow Subdivision The Plumas County Superior Court has determined that the failure of Plumas County to prepare…
2011: Breaking Ground to Reclaim our Sierra
Five years of The Sierra Fund’s Mining’s Toxic Legacy Initiative have given us new clarity in how we look at the picture of California’s mining heritage. We have uncovered new information about how this…
Conference Presentations, Notes and More Online
Notes, presentations, ideas and more from November’s Reclaiming the Sierra Community Summit are online now. So if you are hoping for a chance to revisit some of the great information presented there, a workshop…
Suction Dredge Meetings Scheduled
From Department of Fish and Game Department of Fish and Game has reserved venues for the five public meetings during the review period for the draft suction dredge regulations and Draft Supplemental EIR. The…
Sierra Hero John Laird Appointed to Lead CA Resources Agency
SACRAMENTO, 5 January 2011 -- Newly elected Governor Jerry Brown has appointed John Laird as Secretary of the California Resources Agency. John Laird, a former Democratic Assemblymember from the Central Coast, co-authored with former…