The SNC’s mission is to initiate, encourage and support efforts that improve the environmental, economic and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, its communities and people of California.

Sierra NevadaConservancy Mission

25 million acres, about ¼ of the state; One of the state’s least densely populated

areas; approximately 600,000 residents; Most of the population is centered around

primary transportation corridors (I 80, Hwy 50 and Hwy 49);

With increased focus on Great Valley growth, area could become a key target area for new growth.

The Sierra Nevada Region

Lack of sustainable economic activity; Threat of unsustainable development; Threat of catastrophic fire; Impacts of climate change.

Key Challenges for SN Region

Impact on infrastructure Impact on habitat/natural resources Increased fire risk Impacts on air and water quality Increased demand for recreation and

tourism Increased pressure on working landscapes All of the above happen to be included in

the mission of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy

Consequences of More People

Develop and Implement Strategic Conservation Approaches◦ Northern Sierra Partnership

Assist Communities in Sustainable Growth Strategies◦ Access to important resource information,

modeling and funding

The Conservancy’s Role

Create Economic Activity Dependent on the Natural Resource Base◦ Recreation and tourism◦ Preserving Working Landscapes (ranches, forests

and farms)◦ Identify “Ecosystem Services” flowing from the

region and appropriately invest in the region to protect and sustain those benefits

The Conservancy’s Role

Need to connect sustainable land management practices to local economic vitality;

Sustainable forest management practices will reduce the risk of catastrophic fire (and emissions), protect water quality and habitat and improve carbon storage;

Need to understand the infrastructure and investment needed to achieve this objective;

Create Economic Activity Dependent on the Natural Resource Base

Production of renewable energy from woody biomass;

Production of “value added” wood products; Sequestration of carbon; Support of heritage, place-based tourism

(geo tourism); Support of “buy local” programs.

Key areas of opportunity on which to focus our efforts

Promoting and implementing policies that connect communities’ economic well-being with the sustainable management of the area’s natural resources will contribute greatly to “smart growth.”

What is the end game?

Better Use of information – GIS, etc. Educate Decision Makers at all levels

◦ Connect the dots between resource protection and economic viability;

◦ Recognize the multiple benefits that result form such an approach.

Identify and support on-the-ground projects that illustrate this connection

Use all available tools and create those that don’t exist

How do we do it?