THE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT CONTRACT was discussed during the joint meeting of the Sierra County Board of Education and the Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified School District Governing Board on April 4th in Downieville. Board President Kelly Champion stated to the large group in attendance that they had talked a lot about this item and realized they want to go in a different direction. Several audience members questioned the new direction. Superintendent James Berardi stated he was not willing to accept the contract the way it is and the item would die for lack of a motion and his intent was to become the teaching principal in Downieville and stay as the County Superintendent. One audience member asked if this was an operational issue or ideological issue.  The audience voiced confusion and wanted a sense of what the issue was. They asked if this was Berardi’s decision or the Board’s decision and felt Berardi had done a phenomenal job. Berardi assured the audience that he loves Sierra County and isn’t leaving and is building a house here. Board member Annie Tipton felt it was a contractual issue and Berardi added there were some faith issues on both sides. He stated he wants this district to thrive and made a mistake taking on the job of trying to manage the principal spot in Downieville, adding he can’t do three jobs. He felt his resigning as District Superintendent would be better for the District and is a “win-win”. Berardi said he’ll be taking a $15,000 pay cut but felt it was best for his sanity. He will continue to be the District Superintendent until June 30th.  
Champion stated they appreciate Berardi and all he has done. A lot of public comment was given on Berardi for principal at Downieville. Bill Copren stated when Berardi was initially the principal of Downieville School years ago, he was the best Copren ever worked with. He integrated the school into where we lived. 
Melissa Kinnear appreciated everything Berardi has done. As a parent, she stated Downieville was in need of structure and leadership. She said Berardi represented them to the highest level, adding he’s a major foundation and they need him as principal. 
Parent and former school board member Tom Mooers was excited to have Berardi as principal, stating he has a demonstrated commitment to this school and town. 
Paul Guffin stated Berardi put children and teaching staff in safety during the pandemic. He wants that kind of person to be the principal at the school. 
Another public comment stated it was their kids’ and communities’ gain by having Berardi step down as District Superintendent and be their principal. Tipton stated the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation for Downieville School summary stated the need to have leadership. She made the motion to hire Berardi as the teaching principal in Downieville which passed unanimously.
The Board accepted the resignation of Berardi as District Superintendent effective June 30th. 
The Board authorized to fill the District Superintendent position 1.0 FTE
The Board approved hiring a search firm and have an adhoc committee to research. Board member Christina Potter and Champion will be on this committee.

Ed’s note: 
The District pays the District Superintendent $134,170 including car allowance of $4,500 per year and excluding employer paid benefits.
It pays County Superintendent $25,000 excluding employer paid benefits.
The District stated it’s uncertain where James will start as administrator, but he may qualify to start at $120,883.

The Claremont Forest Resiliency Project will treat 30,180 acres on the Mount Hough Ranger District in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) around Quincy, Meadow Valley and other nearby communities.  The project is one of four that make up the Community Protection Concept on the Plumas National Forest and is within the Wildfire Crisis Strategy landscape on the Plumas.
 
In January, it was announced that the Plumas National Forest would receive an investment of approximately $273 million for Community Protection Project as a Wildfire Crisis Strategy Landscape.  The Plumas is one of 21 identified landscapes in the Western United States as high-risk firesheds.
 
Moving forward, the Claremont Project will transition to implementation, including timber removal, thinning and prescribed burning.  To help complete this work, the forest is starting with establishing more than $15 million in agreements with local and agency partners and identifying approximately 15,000 acres for initial treatment.  More information will be shared as those agreements are finalized and work begins, including what area residents and visitors can expect as work starts in the forest.
 

​View of the Claremont Forest Resiliency Project area on the Plumas National Forest.  This area will undergo fuel reduction treatment to help protect Quincy, Meadow Valley and other area communities from the threat of wildfire as part of the Community Protection concept.
 

Fire suppression, increasing water storage among key priorities
 
“Through the federal budget process, I have submitted numerous project funding requests for our community. The projects I am advocating for would significantly bolster fire-fighting capabilities across the Tahoe region and Eastern Sierras, ensure access to safe drinking water, construct rural broadband, and enhance emergency services. I will never stop fighting to return taxpayer dollars to our community to fund projects vital to our health, safety, and welfare.” – Congressman Kevin Kiley
 
Background: As part of the annual federal budget process, Members of Congress are authorized to submit up to 15 projects to receive consideration for federal funding. Out of the numerous requests received, Rep. Kiley advanced the 9 below projects. The final 6 will be announced on April 17th, pursuant to federal guidance. Although the projects must still be considered by the Appropriations Committee and a federal budget passed in order for funds to be disbursed, official submission by a Member of Congress is a necessary and major step forward in the federal funding process.
 
Rep. Kiley’s Submitted Projects
 
City of Loyalton Water Infrastructure Project: This request would allocate $5,000,000 to the City of Loyalton to replace the deteriorating main water line and would ensure access to safe drinking water, as well as enable the fire department to better fight fires.
 
Kings Beach Drinking Water and Fire Suppression Improvement Project: This request would allocate $2,241,750 to the North Tahoe Public Utility District to replace old and undersized water pipes, install new fire hydrants, and improve water supply for fire suppression in Kings Beach.
 
PST A-15 Broadband Project: This request would allocate $4,224,000 to the Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Co-Op to construct middle and last-mile fiber optic networks to rural residents in the A-15 and Valley Ranch areas.
 
Bridgeport Ambulance Replacement Project: This request would allocate $214,500 to Mono County to replace an ambulance used by a critical care facility that no longer complies with emergency response vehicle safety standards.
 
Kokila Reservoir Replacement Project: This request would allocate $4,000,000 to the San Juan Water District to replace the aging Kokila Reservoir with a new partially buried prestressed tank. The project would ensure over 330,000 Placer and Sacramento County residents continue to have access to safe and reliable drinking water.
 
Georgetown Divide Public Utility District Water Reliability and Fire Resiliency Storage Tank Project: This request would allocate $1,500,000 o the Georgetown Divide Public Utility District to construct a 2-million-gallon fire resilient water storage tank to aid in fire suppression efforts.
 
Golden Sierra High School Biomass Generator and On-Site Sawmill Project: This request would allocate $2,625,000 to the Black Oak Mine Unified School District to install a biomass generator system, expand the existing CTE Wood Shop Mill and Class Program, establish an on-site sawmill, and develop a new forest management service.
 
Southern Inyo Fire District Fire Stations Project: This request would allocate $1,500,000 to Inyo County to construct two fire stations in Tecopa Hot Springs and Charleston View.
 
South Tahoe Public Utility District for Enhancing the Resilience of Critical Water Infrastructure: This request would allocate $4,520,000 to the South Tahoe Public Utility District to replace deteriorating waterlines, improve infrastructure, and install new fire hydrants in order to better fight fires.
 
###

Dr. Glenn Mollette 


Tax Day is April 18th this year and it’s time for you to get all your numbers together and file your taxes. The average American will file the short form that only has two lines on the form. The first line asks the question, “How much money did you make in 2022?  The second line says, “Send it to the Internal Revenue Service.”  


Don’t you just love all these tax breaks President Joe Biden is giving us? Once again, this week after paying taxes all year I still get to send President Joe another check. It’s never enough. I hope you are getting some money back but our government needs a lot of money. Billions of dollars for Ukraine, money to pay the new 86,000 IRS agents who will be harassing everyone for more. China will go to war to take over Taiwan.  How much will this cost us as we obviously are going to be involved. Don’t look for your taxes to become less. Oh, dear Lord, how much more can we afford?


If you have any money left after April 18th you should make plans for Mother’s Day, graduation day, and Memorial Day. This is a lot to think about. Don’t forget mom.  I wish my mother were alive so I could take her flowers and buy her dinner. The years pass and we miss our opportunities. Make plans now to celebrate the special moms you may have left. 


You may have a children or grandchild graduating this May. Think about how you might mentor and encourage this special person. It’s not always about money. Maybe you could find a way to spend an hour talking and sharing life experiences. Convey love. Brag about their accomplishments. Let them know that you believe they have a great future. Cast a great dream for them that they can have a great life with some work and focused discipline. Let them know you believe in them. Love goes a long way in shaping the lives of our children, grandchildren, and even our acquaintances. 


After this is Memorial Day. Too often we are scrambling the last weekend in May to arrange flowers for the cemetery. Start your plan now. Which graves must be visited and decorated? Budget what you can spend on flowers. Sometimes you can save money buying the flowers and making your own grave decoration.  The thought is what counts. You are doing this out of respect and love for what the deceased meant to you and because it’s important to remember them. 


On this very important day we take the time to remember the soldiers who gave their lives so that we can have the freedom to enjoy all we do in America. They paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Plan on visiting the grave of at least one man or woman who died in service for our country.


You have plenty to do in the weeks ahead.  Make a plan, pace yourself and good luck! 

​

 
(VINTON) – This year on April 28th and 29th, after three years of delay, Sierra Valley Grange #466 will finally present their 35th annual Cowboy Poetry and Music Show at the historic Grange Hall in Vinton, California.  This event has been delayed not once, not twice, but thrice by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the excitement among the organization is almost palpable as we look forward to opening our doors for this delightful celebration of the arts and Western heritage once more.
 
First up on our all-star music and poetry lineup is singer and harmonica player Gary Allegretto, the 2019 winner of the International Western Music Association’s Male Performer of the Year award.  Allegretto comes from a colorful and storied background, having previously been a ranch hand, bouncer and wildland firefighter in various parts of the West before pursuing his childhood dream of music and becoming perhaps the finest blues and western harmonica player alive today.  His talents have earned him a variety of music and poetry accolades and landed his music in a few spots on the silver screen; it’s more likely than not that even the least musically inclined among us will enjoy his performance.
 
Richard Elloyan is a singer and songwriter hailing from the historic Silver Rush town of Virginia City, Nevada and - much like Allegretto - has been recognized by the IWMA, having won their award for Songwriter of the Year in 2018.   A longstanding regular of the cowboy poet circuit in the Western United States, Elloyan joined up with his lifelong friend, fellow Nevadan and brother-in-poetry Steve Wade in 2015 to release their first album together, Forty Miles of Famous, and have since collaborated two more times in the studio for Up For Adoption (2019) and Once Upon a Desert Night (2021).  You won’t have to scour the vistas and byways to epitomize the vaquero way, because two of the best Western musicians you can find anywhere will be playing right here in Sierra Valley this April.
 
Last, but certainly not least, Larry Maurice is another highly decorated cowpoke and cowboy poet; when not out on the open range, this man moonlights as a poet so heartfelt and so authentically Western than in 2000 the Academy of Western Artists honored him with the prestigious Will Rogers Cowboy Poet of the Year award.  Maurice’s poetry has taken him all across the west, from Lubbock to Los Angeles, and now this Reno native will be darkening the doors of the Sierra Valley Grange to perform at our own smalltown show.
 
This year’s Cowboy Poetry and Music Show will run twice on the evenings of April 28th and 29th, and once in a Saturday afternoon matinee on the 29th.  Show tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under while meal tickets will run $20 and $12, respectively; these will be available soon at select locations and on our website, www.sierravalleygrange.org.  The Grange will serve house-made lasagna on Friday night and country-style pork ribs on Saturday – and yes, there will be a full bar too.  To learn more, email us at SierraValleyGrange466@gmail.com, visit our website or contact Crystal Munoz at (510) 219-1082.
 
The Sierra Valley Grange, located in historic Vinton, is a fraternal agrarian non-profit organization dedicated to rural living and self-improvement that has been serving eastern Plumas and Sierra counties since 1931.  Proceeds from the Cowboy Poetry Event will be used to meet the yearly operation costs and further maintenance needs of our building; if you are interested in joining, please visit our website, or better yet, come visit us for some music and cowboy poetry this April.
 
We hope you enjoy the show!
 
 

Choosing a fair theme is fun and difficult at the same time. Fair Boards have considered thousands of ideas over the past few decades, and it is never easy. The theme sets the tone for the annual event held the last weekend in July. Every entry in the Fair Parade is guided by the theme, as well as many 4H and FFA projects.
 
A good fair theme sets an image or feeling in a visitor’s mind. It is easy to convert into decorations throughout the fairgrounds, or can be carried through with entertainment. Ideally, it can be part of a colorful piece of artwork for advertising and posters. It should be short and to the point. It should mean something, and in a perfect world, should be unique to the Plumas Sierra County Fair.
 
The first theme for the Plumas Sierra County Fair appeared in 1951 and was “Lumbering Progress”. There was no apparent theme before that, and after 1951, it was hit and miss whether there was a theme or not. Early themes promoted Plumas County and all it had to offer. This is not surprising since early fair board members included the Presidents of the Chamber of Commerce like Link Peckinpah and Bob Moon. “Plumas Glory”, “Better Living in the Feather River Country” and “Progress’n Plumas Style” dominated themes in the 50’s and 60’s. After that, things became more generic; “Mountain Magic”, “The Old West at it’s Best” and “I Can’t Bear to Miss the Fair”. Nostalgia has always been popular and rhyming themes are used heavily throughout the fair industry.
 
For the 2023 Fair in Quincy, the Plumas Sierra County Fair Board has decided to let the public decide the theme. The only guidelines are that it has something to do with Plumas and Sierra Counties, and keep it is short. What do you win? International recognition for sure plus, a week-long family pass to the fair and one Golden Ticket for the carnival. Ideas can be submitted by mail, in person at the fair office, or by e-mail. For mail or in person, the address is 204 Fairground Road in Quincy. The e-mail address is johnsteffanic@countyofplumas.com. Deadline for entries is April 14.
 
The 2023 fair will be held July 27 through July 30, and the fair theme will be…..?

NEVADA CITY, CALIF. (April 7, 2023) — The Tahoe National Forest today announced the public release of the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) and draft record of decision (ROD) for the North Yuba Landscape Resilience Project (NYLRP). This project has been developed in collaboration with North Yuba Forest Partnership (NYFP), which includes a diverse group of eight partners.  

The 275,000-acre NYLRP includes forest impacted by insects, disease, drought and wildland fire exacerbated by climate change and unsustainable forest conditions. Resources within the landscape include clean water for downstream users, clean air, recreation opportunities and other vital ecosystem services.
  
Selected by the Forest Service as one of 10 initial landscapes for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments, NYLRP is a landscape-scale, vegetation and fuels management project designed to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and its impacts to the human and natural environment. The project will promote fire adapted communities, improve biodiversity and protect and preserve watershed reliability through a balance of timber harvest, thinning and prescribed fire in the North Yuba watershed. 

The North Yuba watershed includes thousands of acres of forest habitat, supports high biodiversity, is home to many communities, offers excellent opportunities for recreation, and is an important source of water to downstream users including the densely populated Sacramento region. The project aims to improve watershed resilience by protecting 260,000 acre-feet of water supply for 60,000 acres of productive farmland while also protecting water quality in the Sacramento Delta. Using the best available science and data, proposed treatments for the NYLRP are key steps in implementing the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy on a landscape-scale.  

“The North Yuba Landscape Resilience Project is a unique and exciting project in the country, bringing together a great group of partners with the best science to chart a course for a better forest future,” said Tahoe National Forest Supervisor Eli Ilano. “We have collaborated with partners on the project from concept to implementation. These relationships are already beginning to move us toward protecting communities and water and power infrastructure using ecologically-based forest management. The national and local funding, coupled with innovative conservation financing, are enabling faster completion of work, with on the ground implementation beginning immediately when project decisions are signed.” 

To view the FEIS and the Draft ROD please visit the project website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59693.  ​

In his latest plea for attention, Gavin Newsom has started a PAC to fight “rising authoritarianism” in other states. The line between parody and reality has vanished entirely.
I spoke on Fox News about this stunt from the Governor whose own pandemic policies were the most authoritarian in the country. And we now know they had absolutely no benefit: a new studyfinds California had among the worst COVID-19 outcomes.
The harms, on the other hand, are felt in new ways every day. I spoke on the House Floor about the latest: an “incompetence tax” being forced upon California businesses.
Here’s what happened: thanks to Newsom’s lockdowns, millions of Californians filed unemployment claims. While Newsom and Julie Su couldn’t figure out how to get people their needed benefits, they showered criminals with $32.6 billion in fraudulent benefits.
As a result, the unemployment fund became insolvent, and California had to borrow $18.5 billion from the federal government. The state has now defaulted on that loan. Newsom neglected to pay it back even with a $97.5 billion “surplus” last year.
But the feds want their money back. Under federal law, a deadbeat state like California is forced to pay back its loan via a tax increase imposed on businesses. Every business, large or small, must now pay a tax that could grow to $434 per employee.
Meanwhile, Newsom’s home of San Francisco just announced a $290 million deficit. It’s losing people faster than any major city in history, and the SF Chronicle says the city “could collapse.”
This is the “model for the nation” Newsom is pushing as he once again abandons his post, this time for a Red State tour starting in Arkansas. And Biden is falling for it: by elevating Newsom’s chief enabler, Julie Su, he’s trying to impose California’s failures on all of America.
Join the fight to stop Newsom and Biden
RSVP for our April 29 Event


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Kevin Kiley
California Congressman

Grass Valley, CA – MineWatch, a coalition of 25 organizations led by the Community Environmental Advocates Foundation, submitted its culminating letter to the Nevada County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors today. The coalition formed in 2020 and includes local, state, and national organizations that oppose the re-opening of the Idaho-Maryland Mine located in Grass Valley, CA.
The long-shuttered Idaho-Maryland Mine, a mass of underground tunnels and mine waste tailings from the 1800s gold rush era, is proposed to be re-opened by Canadian-based Rise Gold Corp. A Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) was released in December 2022. In response, many hundreds of comments were submitted by citizens to the County expressing serious concerns about the risks of the mine and the inadequacy of the report. The County Planning Commission is set to consider the issue at a public hearing on May 10, 2023.
The coalition is calling for the Nevada County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors to avoid prolonging the battle over the mine. Asking the County to deny approval of the mine and not certify the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR), the letter states; “We believe that continuing to process the EIR will just cost the County staff and the community a loss of time and energy.”
They conclude that the “...reopening of the Idaho-Maryland Mine is not supported by a majority of Nevada County constituents. Nevada County is no longer a resource extraction county. We have shifted onto a new 21st century green economy. And our residents support this shift. Are a few jobs and uncertain tax revenue worth the risk?”
The letter specifically states: "The FEIR lists several significant and unavoidable environmental impacts that endanger this community's health and quality of life. These include aesthetics, traffic, and noise.
EA Foundation President Ralph Silberstein commented on the letter saying: "MineWatch has worked
on the mine project diligently over the last three years to produce an accurate and detailed analysis for the community and the County. Coalition members span a wide range of organizations and expertise,
and our analysis has led us all to the same conclusions. We are very concerned that the Final EIR has completely failed to adequately assess and mitigate the impacts of the proposed mine, and we view it as a significant threat to our community."
There are also serious deficiencies in the FEIR that underestimate numerous other significant and unavoidable environmental impacts which our organizations and the community have identified throughout this process." The letter goes on to outline these concluded deficiencies in detail,
including: inadequate analysis of potential impacts to groundwater and residential wells; inadequate testing and provision for storage and removal of hazardous mine waste rock; limited analysis of asbestos risk; lack of assurance that the Centennial waste disposal site can be used; and underestimation of the impact of greenhouse gas emissions.
"We are deeply concerned that, should the Idaho-Maryland Mine reopen, mining operations would
pollute our waterways, dewater groundwater, dry up private wells already impacted by drought, and
degrade wildlife habitat,” stated Aaron Zetler-Mann, Interim Executive Director of the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL), a MineWatch Coalition member. “The Final EIR fails to adequately address environmental concerns raised during the EIR review period, only listing aesthetics, traffic, and noise as significant and unavoidable environmental impacts. Denying approval of the mine and not certifying the FEIR is the only way to protect our air, water, and quality of life."
“Given the Nisenan's devastating experience with the mining industry and the lasting environmental
destruction that can be seen from space, the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe and its supporting non-profit CHIRP, believe the mine (the ‘mul mul mul’) is not in the best interest of the land, the people and the animals of today,” stated Shelly Covert, spokesperson for the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe, which is also part of the MineWatch Coalition. “As a community, we need only look to the vast evidence around us to see the environmental and humanitarian lessons let by the gold rush that should have been learned the first me around.”
The MineWatch coalition notes that the County is under no obligation to approve the project, noting that it is inconsistent with the Nevada County and Grass Valley General Plans; that there is no economic justification for the Mine; that there will be severe and unavoidable environmental impacts; and that the community overwhelmingly does not want the Mine to reopen.
The MineWatch coalition letter concludes: “Our community is clearly at risk from the reopening of the Idaho Maryland Mine. It threatens to change the character of the community we love.”
The Nevada County Planning Commission is charged with making a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. That recommendation is two-fold; first, to recommend whether the analysis in the FEIR is adequate and complete, and second, whether the Board of Supervisors should adopt the project. More information on the project can be found on the County project webpage.
Concerned citizens are encouraged to attend the County’s public hearing on May 10 to voice their opposition. A copy of the Coalition’s letter is available at www.minewatchnc.org/post/coalition-final- letter.
***
About CEA Foundation: Community Environmental Advocates Foundation (CEA Foundation) performs research, education, and advocacy to promote responsible land use and environmental protection policies in Nevada County. www.cea-nc.org CEA Foundation is the leader of MineWatch, a campaign that brings together a coalition of nonprofit organizations, residents, and businesses opposed to the mine. www.MineWatchNC.org 

​

By Arielle Hardy
Plumas County Board of Supervisors ​held a meeting on April 4, 2023. Beginning with opening comments was Dispatch Operator Becky Grand from the Sheriff’s Department. She commented regarding staffing issues in the Sheriff's office. “With what appears to be no outside support, should I even worry about this? What are we even doing here? What are our priorities? I’m sorry but it appears public safety and 911 aren't high on that list.” She said they are down to three full-time dispatchers for 24 hour shifts. She expressed concern regarding the staffing shortages and asked the Board to help address wages, retain staffing, and hiring new employees. She expressed losing potential employees because of it taking several months to be hired, and how the process needs to be streamlined with the Sheriff and HR.
Phil Derby, a resident and IHSS worker, commented regarding his duties as an IHSS worker, and the wages they receive. He expressed concern about wages for IHSS workers.
Sheriff Todd Johns reported on his staffing and losing another employee in his department, saying that she was offered $6 more an hour at an entry level job with no previous experience.
Todd Johns commented about the staffing issues of the Sheriff's Department. He said a correctional officer with 12 years of experience is resigning, and receiving a better job offer at $6 more an hour at an entry level job with no previous experience. “We are literally killing ourselves at the jail.” Johns elaborated about other staff preparing to leave, and said, ‘If this continues, by this summer, I won't have a patrol deputy covering the streets of the county. I have to continue to tell you, the stress of the Sheriff's Office is overwhelming, by being understaffed, having to shift deputies into the jail, having people working where they shouldn't be working, or they should be covering the streets instead of working the jail. I have employees that are doing four of five different jobs right now. The stressors are through the roof.”
There was a comment regarding the Cal OES Projects on business claiming disaster declarations. Discussion was held regarding reports and projects on collapsed buildings in the County. They need at least 25 full-time residents with unmet needs who need assistance in order to qualify.
The Auditor/Controller reported about the audit being completed by June 30th. Discussion was made about federal funding, and the deadlines for reporting. She said the department lost an employee who moved to another county, and that they are short staffed. She also sought to allow extra help with employees to work more than 29 hours per week. When asked what it means that federal funding is affected as of April 1st, she replied that “they could shut down any of our federal funding that is coming into the county, because we do not have our audit to the state controller's office by March 31st.” When asked if any active open grants are affected, she said yes. Discussion was made on how grants and federal funding are handled, and the time it takes for the submission process. The timeframe is expected to be completed in July.
Tracy Ferguson, County Planning Director, announced the second round of community meetings for the Wildlifes Long Term Recovery Plan. This month starting April 15th will be at the
Greenville Elementary School Cafeteria-225 Grand St, Greenville, at 10am, before the Dixie Fire Collaborative meeting. Also on the 15th, at 5pm, the meeting will be at the Historic Taylorsville Hall, 4322 Main St, Taylorsville. On the 18th, Chester Memorial Hall, 225 Gay St, Chester, at 6pm. On the 19th at 6pm, at the Sierra Valley Grange, Hwy 70, in Vinton, and on the 20th at 6pm, at the Quincy Veterans Hall, 274 Lawrence St, in Quincy.
Clint Koble, with the Dixie Fire Collaborative, reported regarding AARPA grants and appearances in communities. He raised concern for Indian Valley about the lack of businesses, and the future of the area. He also mentioned concern on how and when they can fix the supposed lead from the soil.
The Feather River Tourism Association reported on its operations and the history of establishing their district and the challenges they have gone through and the effects they've had from the tax collector's office. She mentioned that AirBnb has not paid their fees the last two years. Non-registered vacation rentals are not paying transient occupancy tax. Discussion was made about the funds that have (or have not) been distributed to the tourism district.
Willo Vieira, Agricultural Weights and Measures, reported to adopt a resolution approving the execution of an Agreement between Plumas County Agricultural Department and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to reimburse the County to perform Exotic Pest Detection Trapping; in the Amount of $7,857. Motion was approved.
Neal Caiazzo, with Social Services, sought to approve a grant to give IHSS workers and low income seniors Ipads, and instruction on how to use them. Discussion was held about the execution of the Grant Agreement between Plumas County Department of Social Services and the California Department of Aging to participate in the Access to Technology Grant Program, to provide technology to older adults and adults with disabilities who are engaged with departmental staff through the department’s IHSS program; and authorize a supplemental budget transfer of $157,462 of unanticipated grant funds. Motion was approved.
Nancy Selvage, with human resources, sought to approve the updated Employee Background Investigation Policy to once every five years as opposed to the ten year period, per the IRS requirements. Motion Approved.
Tracy Ferguson, Planning Director, gave an update on the release of the Guidelines and Application for the Plumas County/City of Portola Economic Development. There was discussion on AARPA funding and the CARES program with loans. The program aims to help small businesses-up to $50,000, 100% forgivable loans for eligible micro-businesses. Applications will be available soon, and the period will be open until May 31st. All applications will be on a first come, first serve basis. They will be posted to the county website. Michael Baker and Associates will partner for the process.
The County Administrative Office sought to approve an agreement between the County
Administrative Office and Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship (SBTS) for OHV trail maintenance not to exceed $215,722. Motion approved.
Review proposal from the California State Association of Counties to use 1% of the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) allocated to Plumas County to fund the start up of the National Center for Public Lands as it relates to Counties. Discussion was brought up regarding the pay of firefighters and the Forest Service.
There was also discussion of what the funds are used for, and the technicalities of what the plan would be specifically. The initial amount proposed for approval was $20,000. of the LATCF funds allocated to Plumas County to fund the startup of the National Center for Public Lands Counties. Discussion regarding the amount to be allocated, and the motion was made for $7,500. Motion was passed with 4/5th roll call vote.
Topics were brought up about the Museum Board Association versus the Museum Board Commission, and the importance of keeping the committee viable. The agreement was made to maintain the board. Discussion was made on how to develop applications, and get residents involved. 

This is the largest agreement between USFS and NFF to date
NEVADA CITY, CALIF. (April 5, 2023) — To help reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire, promote fire adapted communities and improve forest health, Tahoe National Forest is providing National Forest Foundation $117 million to implement forest management work in the North Yuba Landscape. In 2022, North Yuba Landscape was one of 10 initial high-risk landscapes nationally selected for investment as part of the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy. The landscape is one of the most at-risk watersheds to large-scale, catastrophic fire in United States and includes the 275,000-acre North Yuba Landscape Resilience Project, a multi-phase vegetation and fuels management project to be implemented over 15 to 20 years.

With this agreement, National Forest Foundation plans to treat over 21,000 acres and produce over 55 million board feet of timber from forest thinning treatments. These fuels reduction efforts will significantly lower wildfire risk and change fire behavior to protect communities, escape routes and utility infrastructure while also improving forest health to protect important habitats and enhance resilience to climate change.

“Tahoe National Forest is excited to expand our already outstanding partnership with the National Forest Foundation with the largest agreement between our organizations in history. Our partnership with National Forest Foundation continues to help increase the pace and scale of work desperately needed on the ground in the North Yuba Landscape,” said Tahoe National Forest Supervisor Eli Ilano. “Through significant new federal investment, coupled with the significant resources raised by National Forest Foundation and all the organizations in the North Yuba Forest Partnership, we are ramping up work on the landscape to further support and protect local communities and ecosystems that rely on the overall resilience of the Yuba River watershed.”

The North Yuba Landscape Resilience Project area stretches from New Bullards Bar Reservoir, east up to the Sierra Crest along Highway 49. The watershed supports substantial forest habitat, high biodiversity and is an important source of water to downstream users. The area offers excellent opportunities for recreation and is home to the communities of Camptonville, Downieville and Sierra City.

To implement work on the North Yuba Landscape, Tahoe National Forest has partnered with eight organizations passionate about the health and the resilience of the North Yuba River watershed, establishing the North Yuba Forest Partnership. Since 2018, the partnership which includes National Forest Foundation, has been working to collaboratively plan, analyze, finance and implement forest restoration across the watershed.

“Over the last several years, the National Forest Foundation and U.S. Forest Service have successfully partnered to improve the health and resilience of thousands of acres of the Tahoe National Forest. With this new large-scale agreement, we are eager to build upon our proven model and accomplish even more meaningful on-the-ground results,” said National Forest Foundation President and CEO Mary Mitsos. “Forests in California and throughout the West are in need of treatment activities beyond what any one entity can do on its own. Working through innovative partnerships, like we have on the Tahoe National Forest, we are excited to bring new tools and resources to tackle the challenge together.”

In addition to the investment of $117 million to the National Forest Foundation, the Tahoe National Forest anticipates up to $36 million more of federal funds in 2023 for additional project work. The forest received $6.8 million of federal funds in 2022 to direct toward the North Yuba Landscape, with significant non-federal funding from the North Yuba Forest Partnership since 2018. Federal funding sources stem from a variety of legislative actions including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.

The execution of the North Yuba Landscape Resilience Project will support nearly 2,000 jobs each year of project implementation in the logging, wood products and ecological restoration industries primarily in Sierra and Yuba counties and neighboring communities. 

Earth Day is April 22nd.
What better way than to clean your local highways and get reimbursement for a local nonprofit!
Adopt-A-Highway and Clean California have teamed up to offer a volunteer incentive of up to $250 per month for litter cleanup events. The incentive stipends include:

• $250: Adopted Highway Segments
• $250: Ramps and Quads (all sides)
• $125: One on- and off-ramp
• $62.50: One ramp
• Up to $250 Supplemental permit, depends on size of clean-up event
• Up to $250 Non-traditional adoptions such as Park and Rides and bike paths.

To apply, fill out an online application below and your local Adopt-A-Highway coordinatorwill contact you about the adoption and incentive stipend process.
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Complete an online application:

• Online Adopt-A-Highway Volunteer Application

Download the application:

• Downloadable Adopt-A-Highway Volunteer Application (PDF)

For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Statewide Snowpack at 237 Percent of Average, Ranks Among Highest in State History
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today conducted the fourth snow survey of the season at Phillips Station. The manual survey recorded 126.5 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 54 inches, which is 221 percent of average for this location on April 3. The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast. DWR’s electronic readings from 130 snow sensors placed throughout the state indicate the statewide snowpack’s snow water equivalent is 61.1 inches, or 237 percent of average for this date.
“This year’s severe storms and flooding is the latest example that California’s climate is becoming more extreme,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “After the driest three years on record and devastating drought impacts to communities across the state, DWR has rapidly shifted to flood response and forecasting for the upcoming snowmelt. We have provided flood assistance to many communities who just a few months ago were facing severe drought impacts.”
Just as the drought years demonstrated that California’s water system is facing new climate challenges, this year is showing how the state’s flood infrastructure will continue to face climate-driven challenges for moving and storing as much of these flood water as possible.
This year’s April 1 result from the statewide snow sensor network is higher than any other reading since the snow sensor network was established in the mid-1980s. Before the network was established, the 1983 April 1 statewide summary from manual snow course measurements was 227 percent of average. The 1952 April 1 statewide summary for snow course measurements was 237 percent of average.
“This year’s result will go down as one of the largest snowpack years on record in California,” said Sean de Guzman, manager of DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit. “While 1952’s snow course measurements showed a similar result, there were fewer snow courses at that time, making it difficult to compare to today’s results. Because additional snow courses were added over the years, it is difficult to compare results accurately across the decades with precision, but this year’s snowpack is definitely one of the biggest the state has seen since the 1950s.”
For California’s snow course measurements, only 1952, 1969 and 1983 recorded statewide results above 200 percent of the April 1 average. While above average across the state this year, snowpack varies considerably by region. The Southern Sierra snowpack is currently 300 percent of its April 1 average and the Central Sierra is at 237 percent of its April 1 average. However, the critical Northern Sierra, where the state’s largest surface water reservoirs are located, is at 192 percent of its April 1 average.
The size and distribution of this year’s snowpack is also posing severe flood risk to areas of the state, especially the Southern San Joaquin Valley. DWR’s State-Federal Flood Operations Center (FOC) is supporting emergency response in the Tulare Lake Basin and Lower San Joaquin River by providing flood fight specialists to support ongoing flood response activities and by providing longer-term advanced planning activities. The FOC and DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit are helping local agencies plan for the spring snowmelt season by providing hydraulic and hydrologic modeling and snowmelt forecasts specific to the Tulare Lake Basin that are informed by DWR’s snowmelt forecasting tools, including Airborne Snow Observatory (ASO) surveys.  
Storms this year have caused impacts across the state including flooding in the community of Pajaro and communities in Sacramento, Tulare, and Merced counties. The FOC has helped Californians by providing over 1.4 million sandbags, over 1 million square feet of plastic sheeting, and over 9,000 feet of reinforcing muscle wall, across the state since January.
On March 24, DWR announced an increase in the forecasted State Water Project (SWP) deliveries to 75 percent, up from 35 percent announced in February, due to the improvement in the state’s water supplies. Governor Newsom has rolled back some drought emergency provisions that are no longer needed due to improved water conditions, while maintaining other measures that continue building up long-term water resilience and that support regions and communities still facing water supply challenges.
While winter storms have helped the snowpack and reservoirs, groundwater basins are much slower to recover. Many rural areas are still experiencing water supply challenges, especially communities that rely on groundwater supplies which have been depleted due to prolonged drought. Long-term drought conditions in the Colorado River Basin will also continue to impact the water supply for millions of Californians. The state continues to encourage Californians to make water conservation a way of life as more swings between wet and dry conditions will continue in the future.  
DWR conducts five media-oriented snow surveys at Phillips Station each winter near the first of each month, January through April and, if necessary, May. Given the size of this year’s snowpack with more snow in the forecast, DWR anticipates conducting a May snow survey at Phillips Station. That is tentatively scheduled for May 1.

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