MARK YOUR CALENDARS…

San Bernardino County Renewable Energy & Conservation Element

The County of San Bernardino is moving forward with its General Plan Renewable Energy and Conservation Element through its San Bernardino County Partnership for Renewable Energy and Conservation or SPARC planning project.  

MBCA submitted an extensively researched comment letter about SPARC last March (thanks to Pat Flanagan), and you can read it here on our website.  MBCA's recommendations to SPARC start on page 9 of the document.

Next week’s meeting is planned to share initial progress and gain community input in SPARC planning.

SPARC Phase 1 ended with a framework for the Element supported by comments at the Listening Session. SPARC Phase 2 primarily involves assessing the economic, environmental, and social benefits and costs of renewable energy generation within the County. The County reports: “Significant progress has been made on Phase 2 following with the acceptance of a California Energy Commission grant and a consultant contract in October 2015.”

Information about the Renewable Energy Element and SPARC can be found at SPARCForum.org website: www.SPARCForum.org

2016 MBCA Desert-Wise Living Landscape Tour: April 23 & April 24

The 2016 Desert-Wise Landscape Tour has been expanded to two days!  

Hold the weekend of April 23-24 to explore fascinating and beautiful water-wise landscapes across the Morongo Basin.  More than 20 sites will be available thanks to our volunteer hosts and docents.

Saturday will be (mostly) the West side, and Sunday (mostly) the East Side. You can attend one or both days with one registration of either $5 for MBCA members or $10 for non-members.  Registration details will be posted later in March at our website: mbconservation.org.

Last but not least…..

CELEBRATING THE THREE NEW DESERT NATIONAL MONUMENTS

Great thanks to all our efforts! President Obama will sign the proclamation securing Sand to Snow, Castle Mountain and Mojave Trails on Monday, March 14^th! This is great news for the desert – new protections are in place for nearly 1.8 million acres!