Save the Date for Upcoming Events!
The West Mono Basin Project is a collaborative effort to restore forest health and reduce wildfire risk to our communities. We invite you to explore the landscapes we all share and learn how to manage risk to your property. In August, we offered two fild trips; one visiting an old growth Jeffrey Pine fores and one exploring Aspen ecosystems. Our last event of the series is a Wildfire Resiliency Workshop designed to give local resident actionable information on wildfire resiliency.
Date: October 10, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Lee Vining Community Center
RSVP: Events are free to attend. Please RSVP so we can capture an accurate head count. RSVP Here.
Details: The Wildfire Resilience Workshop will be facilitated by Whitebark Institute and supported by project partners. The first half of the event will feature a panel led by the U.S. Forest Service alongside regional partners to discuss wildfire behavior, lessons learned from past fires, and current conditions impacting local communities. Part 2 will offer practical, hands-on strategies for reducing wildfire risk on personal property.
SESSION 1: West Mono Basin Panel Discussion
Local experts will share perspectives on how wildfire behavior and landscape conditions have changed, what factors influence wildfire severity and spread today in the Mono Basin area.
Panelists:
- David Haas, CALFIRE San Bernardino Inyo/ Mono Unit Forester
- Paul McFarland, Mono County Supervisor District 3
- Kirstie Butler, Forest Service Fire Prevention Technician
- Alexander Teitelbaum, Forest Service Fire Management Specialist
- Jeff Hinson, Retired Forest Service
SESSION II: COMMUNITY WILDFIRE RESILIENCE WORKSHOP
Learn practical, hands-on strategies for reducing wildfire risk on your properties
Lead by Kristen Pfeiler of the Eastern Sierra Council of Governments, this session is designed to proved property owners with actionable steps to manage risk on their land. She will also share details on upcoming home inspection initiatives across the Mono Basin to help residents prepare their properties. Light refreshments will be provided.
What to Bring:
- Your questions about wildfire preparedness
- Pen & paper for taking notes
- Neighbors & friends! Wildfire resilience is a community effort!