Whitebark Institute newsroom
News & press releases
Announcements, press releases and media coverage of Whitebark Institute’s work for resilient Eastern Sierra forests, watersheds and communities.
Latest
Recent press releases
Sep 21, 2026 · Lee Vining
Upcoming Wildfire Preparation Workshop Offered in Lee Vining
Whitebark, ESCOG, Ready Inyo and Ready Mono invited the public to the Oct 10 Wildfire Resilience Workshop, the final event of the West Mono Basin Resilience Series.
May 11, 2026 · Joint release with Inyo National Forest
Fuels Reduction and Forest Health Thinning Ramps Up in May
Inyo National Forest and partners including Whitebark began hand and mechanical thinning on about 2,400 acres around Mammoth Lakes and June Lake.
Apr 29, 2026 · Bishop
A Regional Invite to Ignite Connection
The 4th annual Wildfire Resilience Month kicked off with Sierra Spark!, the region’s first Wildfire Ready Festival, at Bishop City Park.
Apr 9, 2026 · Inyo & Mono counties
4th Annual Eastern Sierra Wildfire Resilience Month Builds Momentum
Whitebark, Mono and Inyo counties announced a month of events turning wildfire awareness into action across the Eastern Sierra.
Archive
Past releases & announcements
Oct 8, 2025
Joint release with Inyo National ForestResidents Invited to Shape Wildfire Resilience in the West Mono Basin
May 14, 2025
Joint release with Inyo National ForestESCCRP Implementation Begins May 19
Jul 12, 2023
Forest healthCommunity Meetings on 2023 Fuels Reduction in Mammoth Lakes
Coverage
In the news
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For interviews, photos or background on our forest health, watershed and community work, reach out to our communications team.
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Media kit
Approved language, quick facts, logos, photos and experts for coverage of Whitebark Institute. Everything here is free to use for editorial purposes.
About Whitebark Institute
Whitebark Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing wildfire risk and improving the resilience of Eastern Sierra forests, landscapes, and communities. We leverage scientific expertise, convene partners and experts, and take decisive action to address regional challenges. Learn more at WhitebarkInstitute.org.
Mission: To take action, cultivate partnerships, and empower communities to create and sustain resilient landscapes for future generations.
Name: “Whitebark Institute” on first reference, “Whitebark” after. 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax ID 47-1310886.
Quick facts
Logos
Leadership & experts available for interviews
Janet Hatfield
Interim Executive Director
Organizational leadership, the Eastern Sierra Climate & Communities Resilience Project, and regional partnerships.
Ryan Bobik
Finance and Administration Director
Financial management, strategic planning and operations.
Dr. Alexandra (Ali) Urza
Forest Health Program Director
Ecosystem responses to wildfire and drought, forest treatments and monitoring.
Claire Galaway
Community Engagement Senior Manager
Community engagement and wildlife biology.
To request an interview, contact Katie Russ at katie@whitebarkinstitute.org. Full team: Board & Staff.
Press photos
Residents at the West Mono Basin Wildfire Resilience Workshop, Lee Vining, October 2026. Photo: Whitebark Institute.
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Ember-resistant vent demonstration at the West Mono Basin workshop. Photo: Whitebark Institute.
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Editorial coverage of Whitebark and its partners. Ask us about other uses.