The Sierra Nevada, John Muir’s Range of Light, is a state and national treasure, valued for its scenic beauty, rich biodiversity, ancient forests, unparalleled recreational opportunities, and commercial timber and water resources. The Sierra Nevada supports over 60% of California’s vertebrate species and over half of its plant species. For its size, it is the most floristically diverse area in North America. The Sierra supports 50 million recreational visitor days each year, and its watersheds deliver 65% of the water supply for California residents.
Science Assessment for the Sierra Checkerboard Initiative
