HIGHLAND, Calif., Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of Giving Tuesday, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is excited to announce $1 million in grants to support recovery, conservation, and wildfire prevention efforts in the communities threatened by recent wildfires. The grants aim at helping restore and protect vital ecosystems and provide critical resources to local organizations and agencies working on the front lines of recovery, environmental protection, and community safety.
"Giving Tuesday is a day that calls upon us to reflect on the power of collective generosity," said Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. "We are honored to support our 2024 grant recipients in their efforts to rehabilitate lands affected by the recent wildfires and invest in the long-term health of our communities and ecosystems. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is deeply committed to preservation and stewardship of the cultural and natural resources of the region."
These grants are particularly significant as they come at a time when many regions are still recovering from devastating wildfires that have threatened homes, wildlife, and natural resources. In addition to providing financial support, the Tribe hopes to strengthen these communities' resilience and protect areas vital to both the environment and residents.
The Tribe's Giving Tuesday grants will be distributed to various organizations dedicated to addressing pressing regional needs:
- The Wildlands Conservancy: $200,000 for cleanup and restoration efforts at Bluff Lake impacted by Line Fire; includes replanting vegetation and removing invasive growth.
- Mojave Desert Land Trust: $200,000 for designing a comprehensive fire management response plan shareable with other entities.
- San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust: $100,000 for implementing a seed bank supporting native plant growth post-wildfire or disaster.
- Center for Biological Diversity: $100,000 for building relationships between tribes; leading land stewardship projects; advocating sacred site protection.
- Victor Valley College Foundation: $100,000 supporting students in "Fire Fighter I" academy increasing trained fire personnel numbers.
- Arrowbear Lake Fire Department: $100,000 towards emergency rescue equipment purchases; station modifications.
- Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians: $100,000 for purchasing emergency rescue equipment.
- Apple Valley Fire Protection District: $100,000 towards emergency generators allowing operational maintenance during critical times enabling efficient response.
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has long been a leader in charitable giving and environmental advocacy. By supporting these organizations, the Tribe continues its tradition fostering sustainable practices contributing significantly towards local community well-being.
About the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is a federally recognized Indian tribe located on the San Manuel Indian Reservation near Highland California. It exercises its sovereign right self-governance providing essential services building infrastructure maintaining civil services promoting social economic cultural development. As Indigenous people Serrano have called this area home since time immemorial committed remaining productive partner within San Bernardino region.