Society of American Foresters meet in Reno to address change

The Society of American Foresters, a national scientific and educational organization representing the forestry profession in the United States, is holding its annual meeting at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno November 5 through 9.

“Forestry in a Climate of Change” is the convention theme and it brings national, regional local leaders, scientists, students and forestry practitioners to discuss, share innovations, lessons learned and the latest technology in educational sessions and the “Forestry Expo” exhibit Hall. 

November 6 opening ceremonies will feature Nevada’s Governor Jim Gibbons, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (invited) and Miss Reno 2009. Invocation will be offered by a Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California leader and the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe color guard will present the colors.

Nearly 1,500 foresters from the United States and from around the world are expected to attend.

More information can be found at www.safnet.org by clicking on the National Convention icon.

Governor Appoints Members to Panel Overseeing Implementation of Fire Commission Report

CARSON CITY, Nev. –- Fulfilling one of the recommendations of the California-Nevada Tahoe Basin Fire Commission, Governor Jim Gibbons today announced the appointment of three Nevadans to oversee implementation of the commission’s work.

Appointed are former Tahoe Regional Planning Agency member Coe Swobe, Nevada State Forester Pete Anderson and Glenbrook Homeowners Association president A.J. “Bud” Hicks, who also served on the fire commission.

“These three individuals have a diverse array of expertise on issues affecting the Tahoe Basin,” Gibbons said. “I know that each is committed to protecting the basin from catastrophic wildfire, supports the recommendations of the fire commission and will be diligent in ensuring the commission’s recommendations are implemented.”

Governor receives report from climate change committee

CARSON CITY, Nev. — Governor Jim Gibbons today received the final report from his Nevada Climate Change Advisory Committee and received a briefing from committee members outlining key recommendations.

The final report is the culmination of more than a year’s worth of work by the committee, which the Governor created by executive order in April 2007. The committee was charged with making “recommendations by which greenhouse gas emissions can be further reduced in Nevada, including the use of renewable energy resources.”

The Governor applauded the work of the committee, which evaluated 63
recommendations before reaching consensus on 28 ideas and prioritizing six of those. The recommendations are grouped into six sections: electricity consumption, residential/commercial/industrial, transportation, waste management, agriculture and “other.”

“I’m delighted this group of people, representing a diverse array of interests, was able to get together and accomplish what I asked of them,” the Governor said. “I’m determined to reduce the amount greenhouse gas emissions we generate here in Nevada, and I look forward to reviewing this report and its recommendations for how to accomplish this goal.”

Public comment period opens on Governor’s Climate Change Advisory Committee

The final report of the Governor’s Climate Change Advisory Committee is now open for a 30-day public comment period prior to the presentation of the report to the Governor.

The final report is available through the Internet at http://gov.state.nv.us/ClimateSurvey.asp, where public comments can be made. Comments can also be made in writing to the Nevada Climate Change Advisory Committee at 101 N. Carson St., Carson City, NV 89701.

Public comments will be posted to the Climate Change Advisory Committee Web site at the close of the public comment period. All public comments will also be presented to the Governor along with the report on Friday, Aug. 1, 2008