PROGRAMS

 

Mapping and analysis
support for the California
Wild HeritageCampaign

Timeline: 1997--1999

Clients/supporters: California Wild Heritage Campaign, Hewlett-Packard Corporation and Environmental Systems Research Institute.

The California Wild Heritage Campaign seeks to enlarge the federally designated Wilderness and Wild and Scenic River System in CA. SBI provided maps and analysis in support new Wilderness and WSR designations:  forest level maps of roadless areas (both SNEP and RARE II) protected by the US Forest Service interim road construction policy; a new GIS database of eligible Wild and Scenic Rivers in CA; a 100 map portfolio of eligible Wild and Scenic Rivers in CA; and a regional map series displaying Wild and Scenic Rivers and associated RARE II roadless areas, among other products.

Natural Heritage 2020: A Vision for Nevada County

Timeline: 1999--2001

Clients/supporters: The County of Nevada, Sierra Business Council, Hewlett-Packard Inc., and Environmental Systems Research Institute.

Natural Heritage 2020 was a two year, public/private effort to map farmlands, prime forestlands, open space and wildlife habitats in Nevada County, CA. The project was designed to develop a scientific foundation for land planning in Nevada County.  It granted people of Nevada County a clear understanding of the local distribution of species, natural communities and ecosystems, and was designed to give planners the information necessary to provide for the survival of the native flora and fauna within the context of ongoing development and population growth.  Only the first phase of the project, data gathering and accuracy assessment, was completed.

In cooperation with the Sierra Business Council of Truckee, CA, and the Nevada County Planning Department, SBI compiled, maintaining and updating all GIS data for the project, supervised contractors, and working directly with the Scientific Advisory Committee. The full report on the natural resources of Nevada County can be viewed at www.nevadacountynature.org

 

..GiantSequoia Monument

Timeline: 2000

Clients/supporters: Natural Resource Defense Council, Hewlett-Packard Inc. and Environmental Systems Research Institute

On February 9, 2000, Natural Resources Defense Council contracted with SBI to enumerate the potential positive effects of the conservation communities 407,000 acre Sequoia Monument Proposal. The Clinton Administration had expressed interest in the proposal, but was confused regarding why the Monument needed to be so large (the Giant Sequoia Groves inside the Monument encompass little over 30,000 acres). Between February 9 and April 15 (when President Clinton signed the Monument into law), SBI used existing digital maps and scientific data developed by the US Forest Service, USDI Park Service, Sierra Nevada Ecosystem Project and university researchers to demonstrate why a large, multi-ecosystem Monument was necessary in the extreme Southern Sierra. The Monument Clinton enacted encompassed "approximately 327,769 acres, which is the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected as identified in the above preceding paragraphs" (Establishment Of The Giant Sequoia National Monument, Press Release, The White House, April 15, 2000). The "objects identified above" were partial described as:

"This spectrum of interconnected vegetation types provides essential habitat for wildlife, ranging from large, charismatic animals to less visible and less familiar forms of life, such as fungi and insects. The mid-elevation forests are dominated by massive conifers arrayed in a complex landscape mosaic, providing one of the last refugia for the Pacific fisher in California. The fisher appears to have been extirpated from the northern Sierra Nevada mountain range. The forests of the monument are also home to great gray owl, American marten, northern goshawk, peregrine falcon, spotted owl, and a number of rare amphibians."

Key data on the spotted owl and fisher were provided to the White House by SBI through NRDC. They provided two of the primary scientific pillars upon which the final Monument's extent could logically rest. For more information, see the complete statistics and maps SBI developed for the Monument proposal.

 

California National Forest Roadless
Area Inventory

Timeline: 1998-99

Clients/supporters: Patagonia, Inc., Hewlett-Packard Inc. and
environmental Systems Research Institute

The roadless regions of the U.S. (the Back Country of Gary Snyder and Raymond Dassman) are fundamental to land and biodiversity conservation work nationwide. Whether people are working to enlarge the National Wilderness Preservation system, enact comprehensive, long-term biological conservation programs, or achieve day to day protection of ancient forests, wildlands and biodiversity, conservationists focus on roadless areas. These lands also contain the most desirable destinations for those of us who love silence, wildlife, and muscle powered sports.

The first roadless inventory was undertaken in the 1920's, under the guidance of Aldo Leopold and Arthur Carhart. These Forest Service `Primitive Areas' formed the pool of lands that Congress selected from in creating the Wilderness Act of 1964. Congressional direction following the Wilderness Act in the mid - 1960's caused the Forest Service to create a new roadless inventory in 1972 (RARE I) and subsequent lawsuits and direction from the Carter Administration forced the Forest Service the recreate the inventory in 1979 (RARE II). With few local exceptions, these RARE II inventoried roadless areas have been the legal definition of roadless lands, used by environmental activists and the Forest Service alike, nationwide, for 22 years.

In 1998, SBI completed the first phase of a new roadless inventory for national forest lands in California. We used digital road maps created by the US Forest Service to locate all currently roadless areas greater than 1000 acres. The entire California inventory is available online.

...Conservation Technology Support Program

Timeline: 1994--2000

Clients/funders: The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
(1994-97), Moore Family Foundation (1999), Surdna Foundation (1999), Rockefeller Family Foundation (1999-2000), The David and Lucile Packard Foundation (2000)

The Conservation Technology Support Program (CTSP) was an annual grant program awarding in-kind technology donations to conservation organizations to build their Geographic Information System (GIS) capacity. Begun in 1994, CTSP was a partnership among the Hewlett-Packard Company and the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI). CTSP donated hardware, software, training, and technical assistance to US-based, 501(c)(3) organizations actively engaging the public in natural resource conservation and environmental protection. (Overseas organizations were eligible for grants through a cooperating US sponsor.) CTSP awarded over $6 million in hardware, software and training.

Grants of ESRI software products are still available. For information, see Conservation/Geography, the ESRI Conservation Program Website.

 

 

'Inimim Ecologically Sustainable Forestry
and Old-growth Restoration Plan

Timeline: 1998-2000

Clients/supporters: Yuba Watershed Institute, US Environmental Protection Agency

The 'Inimim Forest is 1,754 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land on the San Juan Ridge of the Westslope Sierra Nevada. The Forest lies in the South Yuba River watershed, about 80 air miles northeast of Sacramento. Following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the BLM, the Yuba Watershed Institute (YWI) completed an implementation plan for ecologically sustainable forest management and the restoration of old-growth forest structure on the 'Inimim lands. This plan was developed as a potential model for ecologically sustainable forest management on federal lands in the West.

YWI retained Eric Beckwitt of Sierra Biodiversity to direct the implementation plan project. Work involved: 1) undertaking a state-of-the-art bioassessment of stream conditions (using methodology developed for the US EPA by Jim Harrington of the California Department of Fish and Game), 2) mapping current vegetation and forest structure in preparation for designation of protected areas and development of restoration silviculture practices, 3) developing a three watershed landscape plan for maintaining populations of old-growth dependent species on the 'Inimim, 4) determining the ecological sustained yield capacity of the forest, and 5) preparing a 50 year logging plan that stays well below this threshold.

...Sierra Biodiversity Symposium

Timeline: 1995

Clients/funders: California Academy of Sciences, National Biological Service, and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

On April 29 and 30, 1995, SBI organized a special symposium, Sierra Nevada Biodiversity: Exploring the Richness and Functional Role of Wild Species, at the Morrison Auditorium, California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. The symposium, which brought together an international scientific team to focus national attention on the outstanding biological richness of the Sierra Nevada, was cosponsored by the California Academy of Sciences and the National Biological Service. The keynote speaker was Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt's Senior Counsel, Mr. James Pipkin (Secretary Babbitt was forced to cancel as keynote speaker in the last week before the symposium).

...Siberian Ecoforestry Project

Timeline: 1994-1997

Clients/funders: The Trust for Mutual Understanding, Institute for Soviet Relations/US-AID, The Threshold Foundation, Irkutsk Regional Committee on Nature Protection (Russia), Silicon Graphics Incorporated, Trimble Navigation. Inc., Hewlett-Packard Corporation and Environmental Systems Research Institute.

In September 1994, Dr. Andrei Laletin (at the time director of the Krasnoyarsk, Russia based Friends of Siberia Forests; now with the World Resources Institute Global Forest Monitoring Program), approached SBI regarding the establishment of cooperative program to implement ecologically sustainable forestry in Central Siberia. At the request of the Institute for Soviet Relations/US Agency for International Development (ISAR/US-AID) Russian/US NGO cooperative program, Dr. Laletin submitted a proposal for an FSF/SBI cooperative project in 1995. In March 1995, ISAR/US-AID awarded SBI (as the American fiscal agent) $20,000 for the project, which involved training FSF staff in GIS technology and the creation of a model ecological forestry plan for the Predivinsk District, 700,000 acres of Russian federal forestland north of Krasnoyarsk in Central Siberia. In cooperation with the Pacific Environment and Resources Center (Sausalito, CA), Dr. Laletin and his colleague Dr. Rosa Babintseva completed the Predivinsk plan in spring 1995. In 1996-97, The Threshold Foundation and Trust for Mutual Understanding funded SBI/FSF to undertake a similar project in the Goloustnaya District of the Irkutsk Oblast (state) near Lake Baikal. A new plan for the Goloustnaya District was prepared with advise from Regional Forester and forest ecosystems expert Leonid N. Vashiuk. However, the final plan was never adopted because the detailed ecological database the plan was based on was over a decade old at the time of plan completion, and efforts to update the digital dataset in cooperation with Russian Forest Service and Russian space agency failed due to technical difficulties. Many of the design elements in the Goloustnaya Plan were later incorporated into the 'Inimim Forest Plan.

...Aquatic Diversity Areas

Timeline: 1995-1999

Clients/funders: Pacific Rivers Council, Hewlett Packard, Inc., and Environmental Systems Research Institute

In September 1995, SBI signed two contracts with the Pacific Rivers Council (Eugene, OR) to identify Aquatic Diversity Areas (ADAs) in California and Western Montana. As in the Eastside Forests Project (see above) ADAs were identified for conservation by state and federal agencies and private landowners. ADAs represent the most important watersheds for biological conservation in each State. In Montana, SBI collaborated with Dr. Chris Frissel of the Flathead Biological Station. The initial project was completed in December 1995. Subsequent contracts in 1998 and 1999 created additional map set in color and black and white for use in Congress, and for public distribution.

...The Marbled Murrelet Case

Timeline: 1994

Clients/funders: The Macon Cowles Foundation, Environmental
Systems Research Institute

In spring 1994, Macon Cowles, Esq. contracted with SBI to provided technical support and expert testimony in important legal cases involving threatened and endangered species. In Marbled Murrelet vs. Pacific Lumber, SBI provided extensive analytical and research services as well as expert testimony in Federal District Court to aid Environmental Protection and Information Center (EPIC) in an Endangered Species Act suit to protect some of the last remaining habitat of the marbled murrelet in northern California. The marbled murrelet is an endangered sea bird which nests in old growth forests. SBI used GIS and satellite image analysis techniques to create maps that illustrate the original extent of old growth redwood forests in comparison to their current extent. SBI used a California Department of Fish and Game database of marbled murrelet occupied habitat sightings to investigate the use of old growth redwood forests by marbled murrelets in northern California. SBI demonstrated that only about 8% of the original old growth redwood forests in Humboldt and Del Norte counties still remain today. These forests are extremely critical to the remaining marbled murrelet population.

Over 95% of the marbled murrelet observations lie within 400 meters of remaining old growth redwood patches. SBI's evidence was presented in Federal Court in early September 1994. SBI presented maps as well as a two hour live computer presentation of GIS methodologies and results to Judge Bechtel. SBI was able to show Judge Bechtel the disappearance of the redwoods and the dependency of the marbled murrelet for this habitat through a historical sequence of GIS maps and satellite images. The testimony was very well received. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time this type of data has been presented in this fashion in the courts of law. Judge Bechtel ruled in favor of the murrelet. (Note: this entire project was the work of former Research Directory Peter Morrison, now director of the Pacific Biodiversity Institute.)

...Support for Protecting Sierra Nevada
Ancient Forests and Roadless Areas

Timeline: 1993-1995

Clients/funders: The Outdoor Industry Conservation Alliance, The Gap Foundation, Patagonia, Inc., Silicon Graphics Incorporated and Environmental Systems Research Institute

Between September 1993 and April 1994, SBI received $39,592 to work on generating public support for the protection of ancient forests, roadless areas and critical habitats in the Sierra Nevada. In fall 1993 and spring 1994 work began on a new book, Ancient Forest Wilderness of the Sierra Nevada. On May 24, 1994 SBI and Patagonia Inc. sponsored a celebration, Ancient Forest Wilderness of the Sierra Nevada, at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco. The celebration, featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning poet (and SBI Advisory Board member) Gary Snyder, actor Peter Coyote, and musicians David Grisman and Maria Muldaur, drew several hundred people from San Francisco, including foundation directors, press, and corporate supporters.

In fall 1994, SBI presented an educational multi-media program/lecture at 17 universities, colleges and civic centers throughout Northern California. The program was designed to gather support for legislative protection for Sierra Nevada roadless lands, ancient forests and biodiversity. The program reached hundreds of inspired students, retired people, educators and activists.

...Sierra Nevada Ecosystem Project

Timeline: 1992-1995

In October 1992, the House/Senate Conference Committee on the FY 1993 Appropriations Bill allocated $150,000 for a scientific review of old-growth forest maps in the Sierra Nevada, and the creation of an independent scientific report to Congress on the protection of Sierran old-growth forests, wildlife and fisheries In winter 1992/spring 1993, SBI worked with Congressman Leon Panetta's staff to get additional direction from Congress to the US Forest Service regarding the Sierra study. In January 1993, Panetta and 8 other key committee chairmen recommended the creation of an independent (non-US Forest Service) panel of scientists and the production of a range of alternatives for Congress regarding Sierra Nevada management. Shortly after receiving this information, the US Forest Service turned over the Sierra study to the University of California. In fall 1993, the US Forest Service administratively increased the Sierra study (now called the Sierra Nevada Ecosystem Project, SNEP) budget to $6.3 million. In spring 1994 the SNEP Science Team contracted with SBI to train, supervise and assist SNEP GIS staff in compiling and analyzing map information on forests, soils, human demography, wildlife and other themes. SBI directed GIS services for SNEP until the project was complete in 1995.

Eastside Forests Scientific Society Report

Timeline: 1992-1994

Clients/funders: The Wildlife Society, W. Alton Jones Foundation, Pew Memorial Trusts, and the Bullitt Foundation

In April 1992, leaders of five key natural resource related committees in the US House of Representatives sent out a request to The Wildlife Society, American Fisheries Society and other professional organizations to prepare reports to Congress on interim recommendations for the protection of ancient forests, wildlife and fisheries in the Sierra Nevada and Eastside National Forests of Oregon and Washington. The Wildlife Society's DC office contacted SBI at the recommendation of House Interior Committee staff. SBI and the Society jointly drafted proposals to complete the requested Sierra and Eastside studies. In September 1992, the Eastside study was funded with a $46,000 grant from W. Alton Jones and $10,000 from the Pew Memorial Trusts. SBI, the American Ornithologists Union, Society for Conservation Biology, Wildlife Society, Ecological Society of America and the American Fisheries Society submitted the executive summary of the Eastside Report to Congress and the Office of the President in briefings in September 1993. The full study, 245 pages with maps, graphics and statistics by SBI, was published by The Wildlife Society following peer review in August 1994. Back to Sierra Biodiversity Institute Home Page Last updated: May 30, 2000

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Last updated: November 21, 2003