2024/2025 Year In Review
Executive Officers Message
As we wrap up the last day of FY 24/25, I want to take a moment to reflect on our collective achievements and express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support.
This year has been a testament to our ability to adapt and implement innovative solutions as a team, and nothing speaks louder than our work. In FY 24/25, we opened two Conservancy properties to the public for recreation and access, developed a workplace and succession management plan outlining future staffing goals, drafted Conservancy regulations for adoption in July, and developed a fee collection policy that will be presented in the coming months. This was all in addition to our day-to-day operations and management of Conservancy owned properties in the Parkway.
Looking ahead, I am filled with optimism and excitement. FY 25/26 promises new opportunities for growth within the Conservancy as we continue to strengthen our partnerships with the Fresno State College Corps, CCCs Internship Program, and others.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission. I am proud to lead such a talented and passionate team, and I look forward to continuing to implement our mission, embrace challenges and change, and strive for excellence in all aspects of our work.
Kari Kyler Daniska
Summer 2024
July
- Executive Officer attended Leadership Summit in Sacramento.
- Lanes improvements completed
- Staff offices moved from Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control into Lanes.
August
- Audubon Traffic Light project completion and activation ceremony.
- Executive Officer completed Executive Development Program Training.
September
- The Executive Officer and Budget Manager attended All Conservancies and WCB Meeting.
- Conservancy Staff took a guided river tour with Fresno Canoe and Kayak Club.
- Multiple volunteer and partners workdays performed as the creation of the Egret Maze begins.
- SJRC co-hosts the 30 x 30 Summit in Fresno.
Fall 2024
October
- Egret Maze at Ball Ranch completed by staff, volunteers, and community partners.
- Staff worked to obtain chairs, tables, and electronics for Lanes use as conference center.
- Executive Officer completed Tribal Consultation Training.
November
- Ball Ranch and Ledger Island opened.
- Tribal partnership site visit at Ball Ranch.
- SJRC submitted Nature Based Solutions Targets.
- SJRC Requested Measure P funding for Camp Pashayan and River West Fresno from City of Fresno PRAC.
December
- Executive Officer attended All Directors Meeting.
- SJRC Regulations Public Hearing.
- Ball Ranch Grand Opening and Press Conference.
Winter 2025
January
- Wildwood Native Park opened to the public for the first time in 2 years.
- Sycamore Island reopens after winter closure.
- Board member Parkway tour.
February
- Climate Action Corps Community Service and Restoration Workday.
- Board member Parkway tour.
- Support Blue Run with the City of Fresno at Woodward Park and Jensen River Ranch.
- SJRC Habitat Restoration Workday at Jensen River Ranch Extension.
March
- Outdoors for All Logo revealed at Wildwood Native Park Grand Opening.
- Submission of the Conservancy’s comment Letter for proposed Cemex Project.
Spring 2025
April
- Completed the final phase of the Jensen River Ranch Extension habitat restoration effort.
- Executive Officer and Budget Manager attended All Conservancies and WCB Meeting.
- SJRC completed application to Fresno State College Corps to become a community partner.
- Executive Officer attended CalHerba Mitigation Meeting with CDFW.
May
- Parkway Tours with Wildlife Conservation Board, and Board members.
- College Corps Intern honored at end of Year Showcase.
- Fresno Fire Department and Fresno Sheriff’s Search and Rescue train on SJRC Properties.
June
- SJRC Proposed Regulations Finalized for Board Approval in July.
- Workforce and Succession Management Plan drafted for submission in July.
- PBS Interview “Spotlight on the Conservancy”