SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
June 14, 2012 (June 9, 2012)

Tri-Valley Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

4927 Calloway Drive

Bakersfield, California 93312
(Address of principal executive office)

Issuer's telephone number:  661-864-0500

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

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Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

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Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

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Item 5.02

Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On June 9, 2012, Michael P. Stark, Vice President of Exploration of Tri-Valley Corporation (the “Company”), tendered his resignation.  Mr. Stark’s resignation will be effective as of June 15, 2012. Mr. Stark is resigning to pursue other opportunities and not as a result of any disagreement with the Company.  Effective as of June 18, 2012, Mr. Stark has agreed to provide part-time consulting services to the Company on an as-needed basis, at the rate of $125.00 per hour, under a consulting agreement that can be cancelled by either party upon thirty days’ notice.

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Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.