ABOUT THE SUMMIT
The Eastern Sierra faces opportunities and challenges that extend beyond jurisdictional boundaries and individual organizations. From sustainable recreation and wildfire resilience to working lands and economic development, many of the issues shaping our future require coordinated approaches and strong partnerships.
The Co-LAB Summit is a new regional gathering designed to bring together diverse perspectives, share practical solutions,, and strengthen connections across the Eastern Sierra.
This inaugural event will feature local leaders alongside practitioners from other regions who have faced similar challenges. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, participants will explore proven approaches, exchange ideas, and identify opportunities for regional action around these four core sectors.
Sustainable Recreation
Exploring approaches to recreation planning, stewardship, infrastructure, visitor management, and outdoor access.
Wildfire Resilience
Advancing collaborative collaborative strategies for landscape-scale resilience, fuels management, cultural fire, and community preparedness.
Working Lands & Agriculture
Highlighting the role of agriculture, ranching, and local food systems in supporting healthy communities and resilient ecosystems.
Economic Development
Building a foundation that strengthens local economies, supports community priorities, and creates lasting and sustainable regional benefits.
Agenda
Co-LAB SUMMIT Kick-Off | 1:00 - 1:30 PM
Purpose of event
ESCOG and the Four Core Areas
Logistics
Land Acknowledgement- The Eastern Sierra’s Longest Stewardship Story
OPENING REMARKS |1:30 - 2:00 PM
Why collaboration and effective governance matters for Rural Communities
Danna Stroud
Associate Deputy Director, Regional Engagement & Development
Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz)
BREAK | 2:00 - 2:15 PM
PANEL 1 | OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES: HOW COLLABORATION MOVES US FORWARD | 2:15 - 3:30 PM
The realities of working across the Eastern Sierra’s Jurisdictions, land ownerships, and stakeholder interests; what’s working, what isn’t, and where collaboration has helped. Hear from agency representatives, land managers, tribal leaders, and NGO founders as they speak to challenges and opportunities of the region.
PANEL 2 | POSITIONING THE REGION FOR OPPORTUNITY | 3:45 - 5:00 PM
Recent efforts in the Eastern Sierra that are proving that there is power in numbers. Learn about current initiatives that are leveraging collaboration to advance regional priorities. Speakers will share examples of successful partnerships, emerging opportunities, and lessons from collaborative efforts underway throughout the Eastern Sierra. Engage with leaders from the Eastern Sierra Foundation, Eastern Sierra Wildfire Alliance, and the authors of the Recommendations for Collaborative Action for Sustainable Recreation and Tourism.
WRAP UP & LOGISTICS | 5:00 PM
DOWNTOWN BISHOP DINNER CRAWL | 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Networking and Raffle Prizes
Progressive happy-hour and dinner across local establishments; collect tickets to earn raffle entries for the Fire Lines screening.
“FIRELINES” MOVIE + Q&A | 7:00 - 9:00 PM
C5 Studios (210 S. Warren St., Bishop)
Documentary on wildfire, forest mismanagement, and a community that turned to trails for hope after the Dixie Fire. Director Ken Etzel will provide a Q&A following the screening.
THURSDAY JULY 9TH
Small Business Resource Center
269 N. Main Street - Bishop, CA 93514
COFFEE + MINGLE | 8:30 - 9:00 AM
WELCOME & STATE OF THE REGION | 9:00 - 9:15 AM
Where we have been, why regionalism, and what’s possible
Chris Bubser (Eastern Sierra Council of Governments Chair / Town of Mammoth Lakes Councilmember)
OPENING REMARKS | 9:15 - 10:00 AM
Stew McMorrow (Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, Staff Chief of Wildfire Resilience for CAL FIRE)
Fred Steinmann (UNR Director of the University Center for Economic Development)
BREAK | 10:00 - 10:15 AM
PANEL 3 | WHAT MAKES IT PAY | 10:15 AM - 11:45 AM
What does it take to move collaboration from good intentions to lasting impact? This panel will explore how communities are funding cross-sector partnerships, aligning organizations around shared priorities, and leveraging resources to build stronger, more connected communities and regions.
PRE-LUNCH: Knitting it all Together | 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Short facilitated reflection session to weave together different conversations of the Co-LAB Summit.
LUNCH (provided on-site) | 12:00 - 1:00 PM
GETTING TO WORK | FACILITATED DISCUSSION provided by Agnew::Beck | 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Building Our Collective Vision for the Eastern Sierra
What can we learn from local conversations, existing local efforts, and examples from other regions? How the findings inform our own regional vision and structure for collaboration.
BREAK | 2:30 - 2:45 PM
SMALL GROUP WORKING SESSION | 2:45 - 4:15 PM
Developing a Collective Vision for the Future of the Region
Participants will work in small groups to discuss what matters most for regional collaborations and identify key actions within each of the Four Core Areas. Together, everyone will take part in a visioning activity to imagine a stronger, more connected region and propose practical steps to achieve it. By the end of the session, we will have developed a collective vision, guiding principles, and gathered input on a lasting structure for regional collaborations.
CLOSING REMARKS | 4:15 - 4:45 PM
HAPPY HOUR (5 - 6pm) & FARM DINNER + PANEL (6 - 9pm)
Blue Heron Farm (475 Sierra Grande St., Wilkerson (Bishop))
Come enjoy a beverage with colleagues at the Blue Heron Farm, followed by a panel discussion on local food systems. Then enjoy a delicious farm dinner prepared by chef Sarah Knight comprised of locally sourced ingredients.
FRIDAY, JULY 10TH
CERRO COSO COMMUNITY COLLEGE
4090 West Line Street; Bishop