Policy Corner - Monument Management, Employee Retention, & Costs of Living in Mendocino County

Hekia Bodwitch • August 9, 2024

Photo of Molok Luyuk by Mark Hoshovsky


Last month we were thrilled that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) had filled the position of Monument manager for Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. Our excitement reflects our appreciation of the new manager’s skills. Kay-leigh Barntiz was previously the interim manager and is a regional expert. We look forward to working with Kay-leigh to develop and implement a Monument management plan.

Our excitement also reflects the challenges BLM’s Ukiah Field Office has faced in their efforts to retain Monument management staff. Over the last five years, four different individuals have held the position of Monument manager. High turnover rates and subsequent vacancies affect BLM’s ability to protect the region’s ecological and cultural significance.

What drives these turnovers? Employee retention rates can be attributed to discrepancies between the cost of living in Mendocino County and federal employees’ salaries. BLM employees’ pay, as is the case for all federal white-collar employees, is set under the General Schedule (GS). Rates are adjusted in part through locality pay, or a percentage increase to federal employees’ "scheduled annual rate of pay," based on the region in which their “official worksite” is located. The locality pay program was established via the Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act of 1990 (FEPCA), to reduce regionally-specific wage discrepancies between federal and non-federal employees. The program holds potential to improve federal agencies’ employee retention rates, but it has yet to achieve that outcome in Mendocino County.

Instead, Mendocino County receives the lowest locality pay adjustment of any region in the country (16.82%). The County is categorized as reflecting the “Rest of US,” in that it is not eligible for a regionally-specific rate. As such, Mendocino County’s locality pay is analogous to that in South Dakota. Yet, the median listing price for homes in Mendocino County was76% higher thanthat for South Dakota in 2023. By contrast, the locality pay for neighboring Sonoma County is the highest in the nation (45.41%). Ukiah is less than 25 miles from Sonoma.

What can be done? There are four steps we can take to address discrepancies between cost of living in Ukiah and BLM employees’ salaries.

1)    Ask the Federal Salary Council to change Mendocino’s locality pay rate.

Rationale: The Federal Salary Council makes recommendations to the President’s Pay Agent on locality pay, and the Pay Agent, considers those recommendations, defines pay areas, and submits an annual report to the President on locality pay, including rates that would go into effect under the Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act of 1990 (FEPCA) absent another provision of law.

Challenge: To change Mendocino’s locality pay rate, the Federal Salary Council will need to either make an exception to or change their approach for adjusting locality pay rates. In the history of the program, regions have received locality pay adjustments if they are: (1) included in an existing locality pay area as an “area of application” or (2) established as a separate locality pay area. Mendocino County does not meet either criteria.

2)    Ask the Federal Salary Council to reevaluate how locality pay rates are set at a national scale, using Mendocino County as a case study of the program’s limitation

Rationale: The Federal Salary Council has indicated that it is disinclined to make case by case exceptions, and thus, a change to Mendocino’s locality pay rate will likely require changes to the Council’s criteria.

Challenges: This approach is politically challenging. There are regions that benefit from locality pay. Re-evaluation will take resources and significant time will pass before changes are reflected in the salaries for Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument management staff.

3)    Ask BLM to request the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) approve a Special Rate be applied to the salaries of BLM’s Ukiah Field Office employees’ salaries

Rationale: OPM may establish “Special Rates” to address staffing problems caused by various factors, including “circumstances OPM considers appropriate.”

Challenge: We see this as the most likely solution to improving the retention rates of BLM employees who manage Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. However, as with changes to a region’s locality pay rate, funding for a Special Rates will need to come from somewhere (see below).

4)    Ask Congress to increase funding for BLM

Rationale: BLM needs resources to support their staff across the nation. There are an estimated 2,000 vacant positions at BLM, roughly 20% of that agency’s total workforce.

Challenge: Congress’ ability to fund BLM requires bi-partisan support.

What can YOU do? Congress is currently in the process of determining BLM’s budget. As this process unfolds over the next several weeks, we urge YOU to ask Congress to ensure BLM has adequate resources to manage and protect precious public lands and waters. **Click here** to submit a request.


RECENT ARTICLES

Policy Corner: California's 30x30 Initiative

By Bryan Pride • February 11, 2026
In 2020, Governor Newsom committed California to an ambitious goal: conserve 30% of our lands and coastal waters by 2030. This “30x30” initiative isn’t just about setting aside more protected areas; it’s a comprehensive strategy to protect biodiversity, expand equitable access to nature, and build resilience to climate change across California’s diverse landscapes and waters. California has made meaningful progress towards the 30x30 goal. Currently, 24.4% of our lands and 16.2% of coastal waters meet the 30x30 conservation criteria, defined as areas that are durably protected and managed to sustain functional ecosystems and the diversity of life they support. But with less than five years remaining, we still need to conserve millions of additional acres to reach this critical goal. The Power In Nature Coalition No single organization can achieve 30x30 alone. That’s why Tuleyome is a proud member of the Power In Nature Coalition; a network made powerful by the collective work of over 250 community groups, conservation organizations, land trusts, and Indigenous organizations working together to conserve and protect the diverse landscapes of California. This statewide network coordinates advocacy, identifies priority conservation projects , and ensures that 30x30 implementation protects biodiversity, fosters meaningful relationships, and partners with state agencies and diverse communities. Power In Nature works on multiple fronts: defending conservation funding in state budgets, identifying potential 30x30 projects across California, and advocating for policies that support rather than undermine conservation progress. Power In Nature has multiple regional groups to elevate geographical priorities and empower local organizations to connect state-level policy to on-the-ground conservation work in their communities. Tuleyome’s Role in Advancing 30x30 At Tuleyome, our work protecting the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument directly contributes to California’s 30x30 goals. We’re actively engaged with Power In Nature’s Sacramento Valley regional group, as well as the Far North and Bay Area regional groups, helping coordinate conservation efforts across our region and connecting local priorities to statewide advocacy. Tuleyome has also participated in Power In Nature Advocacy Days, where we met with state elected officials to discuss policies and legislation that further or hinder the 30x30 conservation goals. How You Can Support 30x30 Whether you’re a landowner, community member, or fellow conservation advocate, there are many ways you can support 30x30 progress. There are multiple qualifying conservation lands that have not been added to the Conserved Areas Explorer and this is one of the many ways people can get involved to help track areas protected. If you’re interested in learning more about 30x30 activities in your region, check out the Power In Nature regional groups and sign up to attend monthly regional meetings or gain access to Power In Nature’s newsletter. Most importantly, through Power In Nature, you can make your voice heard by participating in local advocacy days or contacting your state legislators to encourage their support for full funding to conservation agencies and protection of environmental review processes. California’s commitment to conserve 30% of our lands and waters by 2030 is achievable, but only if we work together to make it a reality. If you have questions about how to get involved with 30x30 or Power In Nature, don’t hesitate to reach out! Bryan Pride Tuleyome Policy Director

Monumental Questions - Even Better Birding in the Monument?!

By Kristie Ehrhardt • February 11, 2026
You might already know that the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument (Monument) is a wonderland for birdwatchers. With a range of habitat types from aquatic, riparian, native grassland, oak woodlands, conifer forests to subalpine the range of species found in the Monument is staggering. If you prefer to break it down by county rather than habitat, western Colusa County boasts a birders paradise in Bear Valley and Lake County offers the shores of Clear Lake. Napa County showcases Quail Ridge Reserve and Lake Hennessey. Yolo County puts forth a plethora of hot spots including Putah Creek, Lake Solano, and the Cache Creek preserve which is home to Bald and Golden Eagles, Osprey and others! And, this is just a smattering of the treasure trove for bird nerds to enjoy in the nearly 345,000 publicly accessible acres of Monument. But, how do you know where and when to go to see what? Even if you’re an experienced birder, it can be overwhelming to know where and when to begin. I know people that travel to different states to check birds off of their “life list”. I also know people, some of them are those same people, that travel all over the globe to get a glimpse of a rare bird - or maybe it’s just rare to someone from Sacramento. Either way it’s enticing and rewarding to be part of a community with a common interest. There’s almost a secret code between birders. There’s definitely a code to name abbreviations and a spiffy way to keep count if you’re recording them. There’s also a way to estimate the number of birds in a flock but if you’re just wanting to sneak up on a feathered friend near or far, how do you know where to start? Try downloading the Cornell Lab eBird app. The app lets you input your own findings as well as investigate other people’s observations. You can base your search on your location or use a near or far location that you’d like to go explore. Or, you can browse by species and see exactly where to go to find them. The eBird app uses citizen science and operates similarly to the iNaturalist app, a favorite among biologists, naturalists and other interested folks. With the eBird app, you can contribute your sightings or even sound recordings to the community platform making it the largest birding community in the world. You can also create your own lists and have the app track them for you. The app not only makes birding more inclusive and interesting for individual birders but it is beneficial for the network of scientists as well. The combined data from the app helps conservationists understand how numbers of birds shift as well as aiding in developing genetic species distribution models that show where and when birds are in the region. This information helps develop and establish better conservation strategies for individual species and collective populations of birds. The app is easy, fun and rewarding for novice and veteran birders, conservationists, scientists and ultimately the birds themselves.

Enjoying Outside! - Visit the Capay Valley Almond Festival!

By Kristie Ehrhardt • February 11, 2026
The Capay Valley Almond Festival has been a regional tradition since 1915. It showcases the Esparto/Capay Valley region and was originally held in the fall after the almond harvest was complete. Years later it was rescheduled to occur on the last Sunday in February to celebrate the almond trees while in blossom. The Almond Festival is the only local celebration that not only incorporates the dazzling landscape but it also honors five Capay Valley towns: Esparto, Capay, Brooks, Guinda and Rumsey. The 21-mile route along Highway 16 covers each town, offering their own unique ambiance and activities all while celebrating the almond bloom in Yolo County. You will also find local crafts, family fun, delicious food and other entertainment at each location. A bit about California’s almond history! Much like the European Starling’s initial introduction into the United States, the first attempt at almond production in California was not as glorious as anticipated. Almond trees were first planted in California as early as 1853 using European varieties that were not adapted for our climate conditions. Most of these subpar trees were either converted into other fruit trees or used for firewood. Even though the inaugural attempt wasn’t fruitful (haha, get it?), lessons were learned about cross pollination and where to plant the next go-around. Science happened and by the 1880’s other varieties were being cultivated and during the Citrus Fair in 1886, the two varieties that are still grown today were introduced. By the 1900’s cross pollination tactics advanced and were in place and our commercial production was on its way. This combined with the fact that almond trees were productive in soils that were too sandy for other fruit trees and could be prolific without the use of much artificial water, the crop finally seemed to be destined for success. During the twenty year span between the mid 1960’s and the mid 1980’s, irrigation methods advanced and became more available to land in the San Joaquin Valley, which held ideal conditions for almond production, creating a booming industry that still remains today. In 2020, 1.25 million acres of California were in almond production. We yield 2.8 BILLION (!) pounds of almonds which provides 100% of the United States commercial supply and over 80% of the world’s demand. Almonds are in the top five most valuable California exports bringing in almost five billion dollars.