10 SIERRA NEVADA CONSERVANCY PROGRAM

Established pursuant to Chapter 726, Statutes of 2004, the Conservancy is authorized to:

• Provide increased opportunities for tourism and recreation;
• Protect, conserve, and restore the region's physical, cultural, archaeological, historical, and living resources;
• Aid in the preservation of working landscapes;
• Reduce the risk of natural disasters, such as wildfires;
• Protect and improve water and air quality;
• Assist the regional economy through the operation of the Conservancy's program;
• Undertake efforts to enhance public use and enjoyment of lands owned by the public.

In support of these programs, the Conservancy will facilitate collaborative planning efforts with local and regional governments, community groups and interested parties, provide technical assistance, and conduct research and monitoring.

The Conservancy will develop and adopt guidelines to establish program objectives and priorities, and develop evaluation criteria based upon an assessment of resource needs, institutional capabilities, and funding needs throughout the region. In developing program guidelines, the Conservancy will provide opportunities for public input through workshops and meetings throughout the region.