The northern Sierra Nevada, which extends from south of Lake Tahoe up to Lassen Volcanic National Park, is home to many of the region’s most important natural assets, found in the mountain valleys, river corridors, and northern conifer forests.

These ecosystems provide services imperative to the future of California and Nevada residents and communities: the region’s extraordinary water resources furnish water to 65 percent of California’s population and to the Nevada cities of Reno and Sparks. The northern Sierra forests are a globally important store of carbon. Sierra Valley wetlands are home to the greatest diversity and abundance of bird life in the Sierra Nevada.

The region faces immediate threats from irresponsible development and catastrophic wildfire, as well as the likelihood that global climate change will significantly affect its natural resources. To safeguard this critically important region, timely conservation and appropriate policy action are essential.