Jenn Eckerle

The Ocean Protection Council's Tribal Engagement Strategy, adopted in January 2023, outlines specific actions to enhance tribal engagement across its operational areas, particularly within the framework of its 2020-2025 Strategic Plan. The strategy prioritizes increasing co-management of natural resources, supporting tribal access to coastal lands and traditional practices, and integrating Traditional Knowledges into management decisions. It also focuses on supporting tribally-led resilience, research, and restoration projects, alongside providing dedicated funding and technical assistance through initiatives like the Tribal Small Grants Program.

This document outlines California's Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy, focusing on leveraging the state's diverse landscapes—including forests, wetlands, croplands, and developed lands—to combat climate change. The strategy details priority nature-based climate solutions aimed at sequestering carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and building climate resilience. Key areas of focus include protecting ecosystems, restoring degraded lands, implementing climate-smart land management practices across various land types, and fostering partnerships, all while prioritizing equity and community engagement to deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits.

The meeting addressed actions taken by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) since May 30, 2025, including withdrawals of proposals like Cush-Pii and Skate Island, and approvals for Klamath Straits Drain, Fifth of July Hill, Hoot Owl Lake, and Placer One. The Committee reviewed and recommended actions on several new BGN name proposals, voting to recommend approval for changes to features such as Stonewall Peak (to Cush-pii), Little Stonewall Peak (to Cush-pii 'Estik and Kwettap 'Ekwii Emak), Stonewall Creek (to Kwettap Cush-pii), Kern Canyon (to Curran Canyon), and Kern Creek (to Curran Creek). Several other name proposals were deferred for future review. The committee also introduced a new proposal for Challenger Peak.

The meeting included discussion and actions on various proposed geographic names. The committee reviewed actions made by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) since February 28, 2025, including decisions on Salamander Creek, Kilkenny Valley, China Wall Overlook, Hidden Heart Falls, James Wong Howe Creek, and Chinese Miners Creek. They also reviewed and made recommendations on BGN name proposals such as Boomer Creek, Uypi Creek, Klamath Straits Drain, Fifth of July Hill, Hoot Owl Lake, and Placer One. Additionally, the committee discussed name proposals deferred for future review, including Ipuk Spiruk, Cush-Pii, Black Miners Bar, and others. New proposals on pending review lists were introduced, and a public comment was received regarding the Kelseyville to Konocti name proposal.

The meeting's purpose was to inform the committee about upcoming public engagement opportunities and to gather feedback on community engagement and outreach strategies. Discussions included updates from committee members, an icebreaker activity, updates on upcoming Salton Sea Management Program (SSMP) community meetings, a NEPA training session, and language access needs. The committee also received updates from working groups related to the annual review and membership composition. A public comment period was held for issues not on the agenda, and action items were reviewed, with a discussion about the next meeting date.