 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.

 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.

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

 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

 Develop and Implement Strategic Conservation Approaches ◦ Northern Sierra Partnership  Assist Communities in Sustainable Growth Strategies ◦ Access to important resource information, modeling and funding

 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

 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;

 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.

 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.”

 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