Ear to the Ground

Outdoor News and Notes for the California Region

BEAR VALLEY RATIFIES CO-OP MODEL

In a series of packed town hall style meetings, Bear Valley has taken crucial steps towards securing its future as a publicly owned cooperative. Similar to REI, Bear Valley will be owned by members who purchase “shares” and have a voting stake in the future of the mountain. The Bear Valley Mountain Cooperative has signed and ratified a non-exclusive letter of intent to purchase the much-loved resort.

For the first time, shares of Bear Valley can now be purchased for $2500 at bvmcoop.org, and so far sales have been fast and furious, with 35% of target goals reached in a very short amount of time. Check out the website for a chance to become a part owner of one of California’s storied ski mountains. Members will receive significant discounts and services as Bear Valley moves forward to become the only co-op ski resort on the west coast. “The co-op model represents an exciting opportunity for the people of Bear Valley and Northern California to shape their own destiny instead of waiting for large scale corporate interests to take over,” said Paul Petersen of Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure Company in a recent interview with ASJ.

COASTAL COMMISSION APPROVES ECO-RESORT

Opposed by the Sierra Club and Surfrider, the Coastal Commission has nevertheless approved the massive “Eco-Resort” planned for the dunes right in front of Sand City. Drivers headed south along scenic Highway One will recognize this area for its wild sand dunes and occasional paragliders seen floating above the breakers on this pristine stretch of coastline.

The big stumbling block for the developer will be how to remediate the massive loss of Snowy Plover habitat that will result from the 39-acre resort footprint. The proposed development will include 184 hotel rooms, 184 condominiums, three swimming pools, and extensive visitor facilities.

The final test will be re-drafting the Habitat Protection Plan (HPP) to meet the requirements of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Check out surfrider.com for regular updates.

ADVENTURE SPORTS JOURNAL ANNOUNCES THE ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERSHIP CAMPAIGN

Starting with our next issue (August/September 2014) ASJ will begin a new program aimed at bringing awareness to some of the many exciting California non-profits that promote stewardship and access for the human powered outdoor sports community. In addition to donating advertising space, ASJ will help promote these organizations by bringing awareness to such groups as the Access Fund, Surfrider, IMBA and others.

Dubbed the Environmental Partnership Campaign (EPiC), the rollout coincides with our annual Green Guide and will initially result in a promotional and advertising package worth over $3500 for one lucky California non-profit. EPiC will continue from there, with new partnerships and excitement announced on a regular basis. For more details check out facebook.com/ASJmag.

GREAT SIERRA RIVER CLEANUP SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 20TH

The Sixth Annual Great Sierra River Cleanup will take place on Saturday, September 20, 2014, from 9AM to Noon, throughout the Sierra Nevada.

The Great Sierra River Cleanup is an annual volunteer event dedicated to removing trash and restoring the health of watersheds throughout the Sierra Nevada Region. This statewide effort—coordinated by the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, in conjunction with the California Coastal Cleanup Day—serves to promote good stewardship on all of our waterways, from the source at 14,000 ft., to the Pacific Ocean.

During the first five years of the Great Sierra River Cleanup, nearly 19,000 volunteers have joined together to remove almost 600 tons of trash and recyclables from watersheds throughout the Sierra Nevada. Hundreds of community groups have spread across 22 counties and over 1,700 river miles to pull appliances, cigarette butts, beverage cans, baby diapers, tires, furniture, and more from the rivers and streams that supply the State of California with more than 60 percent of its water.

Log on to the State of California’s Sierra Nevada Conservancy website to find a cleanup location near you: sierranevadaconservancy.ca.gov/our-work/rivercleanup.