The Sierra Nevada is one of the most significant natural and biologically diverse regions in the world. Theconstitutes about 25 percent of California’s land area, or 25 million acres, and is the state’s principal supplying more than 60 percent of the developed water supply to residents, agriculture, and other industries across the state.
- Supports 212 communities with more than 600,000 residents.
- Sustains a growing tourism/recreation industry involving more than 50 million recreation visit days a year.
- Is home to 60 percent of California’s animals (vertebrates) -about 572 distinct species. Over one-third of these animal species are listed by the Department of Fish and Game as rare, threatened, or endangered species that are declining in California.
- Provides up to 50 percent of California's annual timber yield.
All or part of make up the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) and are organized into six :
North: Modoc, Lassen, Shasta Counties
North Central: Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Sierra Counties
Central: Yuba, Nevada, Placer, El Dorado Counties
South Central: Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne, Mariposa Counties
South: Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Kern Counties
East: Alpine, Mono, Inyo Counties
The Sierra Nevada Conservancy has a number of map resources available for you to explore the Sierra Nevada.
Tourism and Recreation
The Sierra Nevada offers world-class recreational opportunities for everyone. You can challenge yourself with active physical activities such as hiking, biking, mountain climbing, river rafting or enjoy more tranquil opportunities such as sightseeing, picnicking, or visiting charming mountain communities.