CRRA2019

Assistant Research Ecologist

The focus of the Desert Studies Initiative has been to develop risk assessments for desert flora, fauna and natural communities relevant to the implementation of regional conservation programs. Specific research has examined the influence of suburban-natural area interfaces, minimum habitat sizes for population persistence along precipitation gradients, the influence of exotic species on natural community composition, drivers of population dynamics, and modeling current and historic species distributions to objectively measure habitat loss.

A Citizen (Community) Science Approach to Understanding the Effects of Climate Change in Southern California

Hot, dry weather in Southern California’s inland desert region is projected to become more extreme over the 21st century, including more extreme daily high temperatures and more days with extreme heat, with increases of 8-14 degrees Fahrenheit projected by 2100. These changes cause shifts in desert plant and animal populations that may not keep pace with climate changes, especially when combined with other human impacts.

Director

A Pioneertown native, April Sall was Conservation Director for The Wildlands Conservancy, California’s largest non-profit land owner. She led TWC’s efforts to secure additional protections for desert lands that ultimately led to three new National Monuments (Sand to Snow, Mojave Trails, and Castle Mountains); and an orderly approach to siting desert renewable energy projects. April served on the Bureau of Land Management’s California Desert District Advisory Council as the Public at Large representative for 6 years and was elected Chair, and is still the Chair of the California Desert Coalition.

Energy Development and Conservation in the California Desert

Desert land issues involve many stakeholders: conservations, renewable energy developers, mining companies, off-road vehicle groups, tourism related businesses, and residents. The Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan was a state and federal effort to designate lands for renewable energy projects that would not disrupt major habitats and that enjoy easy access to existing infrastructure like transmission lines and roads. Bodie Hills Conservation Partnership brings together national, statewide and local organizations working cooperatively to sustainably protect and preserve scenic, historic and recreational lands.

Environmental Conservation & Public Works Manager

Creating a Sustainable City Culture

Cathedral City has received many state and national awards for its sustainability efforts, incorporating green practices into city operations. The City partners with the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery to create public art from recycled materials on parkways, medians and bridges. Local recycled construction and demolition materials are used for new projects. Water Smart Landscaping grants install desert landscaping to conserve water and reduce waste. Transportation and energy impacts are reduced through design and purchasing decisions.

John Davis administers the Mojave Desert and Mountain Recycling Authority, a nine-member joint powers authority serving San Bernardino County’s High Desert and Mountain communities. His Authority work includes the High Desert Recycling Market Development Zone, the publicly-owned Victor Valley Materials Recovery Facility, and ongoing outreach programs. He has provided program support services to over 60 California local governments; and is an advisor to The Wildlands Conservancy, California’s largest non-profit landowner.

John is a Board Advisor and former President of the California Resource Recovery Association and Past-President of the California Association of Recycling Market Development Zones.