Like other picturesque sites in California, Sierra Valley is struggling to protect its agricultural industry. The Sierra Nevada's highest alpine valley, with sprawling grassland edged by mountain peaks, would make a lovely spot for vacation homes and tourism.
Many of the ranchers, however, don't want to quit running cattle and growing crops on the valley's wide open spaces, according to a story in today's Sacramento Bee.
"I could have cashed out very easily," the story quoted rancher Dave Goicoechea. "But ranches like this aren't happening everywhere, and I've never wanted anything else. I have no objection to the development – just leave me out of it."
Goicoechea fended off developers by using the California Land Conservation Act to prevent his land from being annexed to a nearby town. The experience prompted him to enter politics. He was elected a Sierra County supervisor last year.
"A lot of (land conservation) projects are ready to go once the money starts to flow," the story quoted Holly George, the livestock and natural resources adviser in Plumas and Sierra counties for the University of California Cooperative Extension. "A lot of ranchers are contacting the land trusts, but my sense is that the land trusts aren't seeing the funding."
Sierra Valley's 300,000-acre expanse is a resting point for migrating birds. Deer, antelope, bobcats and bears are among the more than 400 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians that live in the valley. George suggests that working ranches will provide better protection for the environment and wildlife than vacation homes, while they also supply residents who build community.
"People who are in agriculture and make a livelihood on their property are more participatory than someone who just buys a ranch and comes up for vacation," George was quoted. "They are more invested in the community. You need to have people who are on school boards and the volunteer fire department."
George has spearheaded the development of a series of videos about challenges to agriculture in Sierra Valley. They are posted on the UC Davis Art of Regional Change Web site. Dave Goicoechea is one of the featured farmers.