“Sierra Nevada Past, Present, & Future: Management in Changing Environments”
The Sierra Nevada Science Symposium unites Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks, Devils Postpile National Monument, the US Geological Survey, the Sierra Nevada Inventory & Monitoring Network, university researchers and the broader science community to celebrate the history of science, learn more about current work, and look toward the future of research in the Sierra Nevada parks. We aim to: CELEBRATE the strong relationships between land managers, scientists, and the research community; COMMUNICATE recent research results and current resource issues in the parks; CONSIDER the future of park research, management, and co-stewardship. By placing the Symposium on the UC Merced campus, we seek to expand and solidify regional scientific collaborations and partnerships to address challenges posed by climate change and other resource threats, and to encourage and support more research within these parks to further scientific knowledge and inform management decisions. The theme this year is Sierra Nevada Past, Present, Future: Management in Changing Environments. The symposium agenda features a keynote speaker for each era (past, present, future), lightning talks, invited talks, time for brainstorming and networking, and panel discussions.
Support
This year’s symposium was made possible by generous financial support from Yosemite Conservancy, Sequoia Parks Conservancy, and Sierra Nevada Inventory and Monitoring Network. Additional in-kind support was provided by USGS, NPS Sierra Nevada Inventory and Monitoring Network, UC Merced Natural Reserve System, and UC Merced Sierra Nevada Research Institute.
Agenda
SCHEDULE OVERVIEW (updated 2/14/24)
FULL SCHEDULE (talk order within sessions subject to change, updated 3/1/24)
POSTER PRESENTATIONS (updated 2/29/24)
CAMPUS MAP *note additional restrooms are located in Granite Pass breezeway, adjacent to the conference center
Notes for presenters: multiple formats for lightning talks are accepted (see examples) - there is no limit to slide number, however, 5-min time limit will be strictly enforced! Questions for lightning talks will be held for the Q&A at the end of the sessions. Poster presentations should be 36x48" maximum.
Registration (CLOSED February 2, 2024)
If you are already registered and need to cancel, please let us know ASAP so we can have an accurate head count for food. Registration is free thanks to the generosity of Yosemite and Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks and our costs are based on the number of registered participants.
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation, please reach out to conference organizers (information below).
Lodging
A limited block of rooms is available for reservation through 2/6/24 at the El Capitan Hotel
609 W Main St, Merced, CA 95340 (209) 383-1234
- Reserve a room at the reduced conference rate using this link OR call and reference the "2024 Sierra Nevada Science Symposium"
- Government employees can use the government-rate room link; proof of employment with government agency ID will be required at check-in
Food Options (on- and off-campus)
Parking and Directions
See the UC Merced Conference Center website for map and directions
Parking is available in Bellevue lot, $8.35 all-day rate for "green zone" parking. Simply text "PARKBELL" to 727563 when you arrive to campus.
Wayfinding signage will direct you from the parking lot to the Conference Center.
Symposium Planning Committee
Anne Pfaff, U.S. Geological Survey, Sequoia-Kings Canyon Field Station, ahpfaff@usgs.gov, 559.565.3172
Breezy Jackson, UC Merced Natural Reserve System bjackson10@ucmerced.edu
Chad Anderson, Yosemite National Park
Christy Brigham, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Jeniffer Amezquita-Marin, UC Merced Natural Reserve System
Laura Van Vranken, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, laura_van_vranken@nps.gov
Linda Mutch, Sierra Nevada Network, Linda_Mutch@nps.gov
Molly Stephens, UC Merced SNRI, mstephens3@ucmerced.edu, 209.761.1165
Sheri Shiflett, Yosemite National Park
Sylvia Haultain, Sierra Nevada Network
