Bishop will host a presentation on forest management for wildfire resilience and climate adaptation on October 7, 2026. Dr. Alexandra Urza, Forest Health Program Director of the Whitebark Institute, will be the featured speaker. The event, hosted by the Bristlecone Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, is scheduled for 7:00 PM at the Inyo County Office of Education/JKBS Great Room, Building D2, located at 166 Grandview Drive.
Dr. Urza’s presentation will focus on the Eastern Sierra Climate and Communities Resilience Project (ESCCRP). This project’s primary objective is to restore the forests surrounding Mammoth Lakes to their historical densities through ecological thinning. This approach aims to make both the local community and the adjacent forests more resilient against future fires. Attendees will gain insight into the ESCCRP’s scientific basis and background, the progress that has been achieved, and the ongoing efforts to monitor the effectiveness of these treatments. The session offers an opportunity to learn more about local initiatives designed to mitigate wildfire risk and bolster the resilience of Eastern Sierra forests, landscapes, and communities.
Bringing nearly two decades of experience in land stewardship, Dr. Urza joined the Whitebark Institute in 2025. Before her current role, she served as a research ecologist, leading studies that examined how ecosystems respond to wildfire and drought. In this capacity, she collaborated closely with land managers to evaluate the efficacy of various forest management treatments. Dr. Urza holds the conviction that the increasing threats posed by fire and climate change demand bold actions and creative partnerships. She is dedicated to applying her extensive scientific background to work that directly benefits both the natural forests and the human communities throughout the Eastern Sierra region.
The Bristlecone Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, which is organizing this event, was founded in 1982 by Mary DeDecker and other local native plant enthusiasts. The chapter is named after the Bristlecone pine, known as one of the world’s most ancient trees. It operates as one of 36 statewide chapters committed to protecting and celebrating California’s diverse native plant species. The chapter encourages community members to engage with its mission and activities, including regular meetings, educational field trips, native plant sales, and various other community events designed to foster connection with local flora.
