Sierra Solutions Conference

Tools for Sustainable Communities, Economies and the Environment
October 3-4, 2008
Mammoth Resort Conference Center

"The conference was phenomenal. I've been to hundreds and that was as good as it gets." Jim Mathewson, Sequoia Riverlands Trust

We had a wonderful, inspiring, invigorating Conference in Mammoth Lakes the first week of October.  Thank you to each of you for your energy, your ideas and your vision for a better future.  The Sierra Business Council and the Sierra Nevada Conservancy partnered to bring you this year’s most powerful gathering in Mammoth Lakes, CA. Sierra Solutions highlighted those leading the sustainability charge in the Sierra Nevada – those who believe, “The Sierra Nevada is a place that serves as a model for the rest of the nation – it is a place where we pursue a green economy, support valuable ecosystems, and design sustainable communities.”

This year’s Conference highlighted solution-based tools, processes and opportunities for ensuring sustainable and vibrant sierra communities, landscapes and local economies.

Linked to this page, you will find the Conference Agenda, Speaker Bios, and some of the Presentations from the Conference.

Sierra Leadership Institute Dinner – Thursday, Oct. 2nd

Thank you to each of you who joined us for the fabulous Sierra Leadership Institute Alumni Dinner! We rode the gondola to McCoy Station on Mammoth Mountain and enjoyed a wonderful dining experience with our colleagues.  During the Sierra Leadership Institute reunion dinner in Mammoth, alumni Tony Taylor stepped up to the podium and made a challenge to the Sierra Leadership Alumni. He pledged to match 10% of any donation to the Susan Carpenter Endowment fund up to $5000 in donations. This fund is strictly to provide scholarship funds for applicants who need financial aid in order to participate. For more information on donating to the fund, contact Anna Toso at 530-582-4800 x10.  Visit out Sierra Leadership Institute page for information 2009 the 2009 Institute.

 
Sierra Nevada Youth Empowerment Program

What a week for 18 youth from throughout California and Nevada!  Sierra Solutions marked the first year of a Youth Empowerment Program as part of our conference. Urban and rural youth from throughout California and Nevada convened to discuss community issues and bridge the divide between their experiences. Activities ranged from rock climbing to team building to presenting during the closing plenary session at the conference.  

Commitment to Sustainability - Here’s how this conference aimed to demonstrate a commitment to reducing its footprint and convening a diverse range of attendees:

Sierra Business Council, the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and Mammoth Mountain Resort are committed to creating a green and sustainable conference. We aimed to demonstrate this by providing meals made from local food, offering lodging in walking distance to the conference venue, providing childcare information, presenting a diverse array of housing to suit your budget, supplying a few biodiesel buses for public transportation, providing you with a way to carpool, and making a goal of limiting our waste for the entirety of the event.

Please visit our conference partners' website by clicking on their logo here.