Oak Trees the Group FKA Joshua Trees

1. Oak Treesthe Group FKAJoshua Trees Destination: Oakhurst, Ca Group Members: Kris Chavez Rick Porter Ciro Lo Pinto Deb Walchuk Sharon Williams Lisa Hokholt Winnie Chen Oakhurst or Bust

2. Oakhurst, California93644 Mission Statement“To promote and support the economic vitality while honoring and preserving the unique lifestyles of our Mountain communities.”

3. Community Description • 17 miles from the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park. • Largest of the mountain communities boasting a population of just under 13,000. • Aka Fresno Flats - generally mild climate and its ample opportunities for recreation.

4. Industry and Employers • Yosemite Concessions • Yosemite National Park • School Districts • Sierra Telephone Services • U.S. Forest Service • CA Dept. of Transportation Highway Maintenance • Service Industry

5. Demographics • 60% Retirees • Most newcomers are transplants pre-retired – from Bay Area and LA. • 5 Elementary Schools • 22 Churches • 3% unemployment rate. • 12% of families are below poverty rate.

7. Agriculture • 36 Farms (2002 census) • Average Farms Size 3-5 • 6 orchard farms • 13 horse and pony • 8 beef • 12 cow/calf

8. Tribes • One Tribe – Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians

9. Resource Information First Stop Visitors Center

10. US Forest Service a.k.a Ciro’s New Best Friend

11. Visitor Center Lisa Sesto Marketing/Projects Coordinator

12. Local Information Kermit Local heavy equipment operator

13. Chamber of Commerce

14. Library Information Waunetta Fuchs, Acting Branch Manager

15. Other Resource Information Internet Information Library References Brochures Newspapers Bulletin Boards Personal Observations Public Contacts

16. Challenges and Opportunities of the Community • To save the town after the timber industry • Incorporation • Riparian corridor preservation to facilitate the migratory needs of wildlife • Uranium contamination in fissure well water • Fire management for grasses, oats, and buckeyes • Vegetation degradation

17. Challenges and opportunity of the community • Yosemite Area Rapid Transit (YART) • Employment for young people/more industry • Sidewalks and park lighting • Public park space • H factor

18. Challenges and Opportunities of the Communities • No forums for communication for various groups • City is growing fast • Population is growing to fast • No town general plan • Development may not be planned out • Afraid to be a parking lot community • RCD does not have a conservation district • Flooding • Education about Wildlife – Raccoon, bear, beavers issues • Weeds – star thistle, sudden oak death

19. Missing Items and solutions • Minimize risk with flooding -Strategize development -Future water supply plan • Fire Plan -No defensible space • Develop Economic plan to reduce seasonal economic slumps • Need to develop Permanent RCD Presence • Ethnic Diversity • Age Diversity • Environmental Advocates

20. How to Address Develop an Outreach plan Develop an Area Conservation Plan

21. Wish you were here!