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
INITIAL WELCOME | 1:00 - 1:30 PM
Land Acknowledgement
Purpose of event
Logistics
OPENING REMARKS |1:30 - 2:15 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)TBA
BREAK | 1:30 - 2:15 PM
PANEL 1 | OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES: HOW COLLABORATION MOVES US FORWARD | 2:30 - 4:00 PM
This panel will explore the realities of working across the Eastern Sierra’s complex landscape of jurisdictions, land ownerships, and stakeholder interests. Representatives will discuss the challenges and opportunities they encounter while managing limitations in capacity and funding.
GROUP DISCUSSION | POSITIONING THE REGION FOR OPPORTUNITY | 4:00 - 5:00 PM
This facilitated discussion will showcase 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.
WRAP UP & LOGISTICS | 5:00 PM
(CURATED) DINNER ON OWN AROUND TOWN | 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Visit a select set of local Bishop drinking and eating establishments for a progressive style happy hour and dinner. Gather “puzzle pieces” from each establishment to earn points for a raffle at the “Firelines” movie.
“FIRELINES” MOVIE + Q&A | 7:00 - 9:00 PM
C5 Studios (210 S. Warren St., Bishop)
In northern California, climate change and 150 years of forest mismanagement have led to some of the most catastrophic wildfires in the state’s history—including the Dixie Fire, which in 2021 devastated the Lost Sierra’s already struggling communities. In the face of that destruction, one group turned to trails for hope and to the past for a better future. Directed by Ken Etzel and Gordon Klco.
Facilitator: Ken Etzel
Stew McMorrow (CalFire, SBTS)
Others TBA
THURSDAY JULY 9TH
Small Business Resource Center
269 N. Main Street - Bishop, CA 93514
COFFEE + MINGLE | 8:30 - 9:30 AM
WELCOME | 9:30 - 9:45 AM
Land Acknowledgement
Setting Tone for Day
Team Intros
OPENING REMARKS | 9:45 - 10:30 AM
Stew McMorrow
Division Chief - CalFire; Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship
TBA
BREAK | 10:30 - 10:45 AM
PANEL 2 | ECONOMICS, POLICY, & INVESTMENT RETURN | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Communities across the West are developing ways to fund and sustain recreation, infrastructure, stewardship programs, economic development initiatives, and collaborative governance models. This panel will feature leaders from regions that have successfully implemented creative policy and funding tools to address shared priorities.
LUNCH (provided on-site) | 12:00 - 1:00 PM
PANEL 3 | COLLABORATIVE SOLUTIONS | 1:00 - 2:30 PM
The most pressing issues in the Eastern Sierra rarely fit neatly into a single sector. Recreation, wildfire resilience, working lands/agriculture, conservation, workforce development, and economic vitality are deeply interconnected. This panel will examine how collaborative structures can help bridge those sectors and unlock new opportunities.
BREAK | 2:30 - 2:45 PM
WORKING SESSION | 2:45 - 4:15 PM
Developing a collective vision for the future of the region
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 from 5-6p, 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.
$25/each for the entire experience
FRIDAY, JULY 10TH
CERRO COSO COMMUNITY COLLEGE
4090 West Line Street; Bishop