The Sierra Nevada's rural communities share more than 400 miles of the granite mountain range and an unswerving conviction that the region should not be dictated to from afar.
But that independent streak threatens to scuttle a five-year effort to create a Sierra Nevada Conservancy, which could funnel millions of dollars to the economically depressed region while protecting its vaunted scenery and natural resources.
Two bills in the Assembly that would create a conservancy could be defeated as a result of the region's reluctance to cede authority to outsiders and because of fear that too much land will be put off-limits to hunting, fishing, livestock grazing and other traditional activities.
At the same time, a broad-based group of regional conservation and business groups says a conservancy for the Sierra is long overdue and points to the state Coastal Conservancy and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy as models.
"This is the last major conservancy that is outstanding for California," said Assemblyman John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), who is sponsoring one bill. "It's a matter of when this happens, not if. The forces are coming together. I have a feeling that this is the best chance we've had in years and we shouldn't squander the opportunity."
Today, eight regional conservancies across the state vie for millions of dollars in bond funds to increase recreational opportunities, shore up water systems and fund local planning.
No one denies such financial assistance is needed in the Sierra, where population is projected to triple by 2040, recreational visits are up 75% since 1989, and the northern Sierra's traditional logging economy is a shadow of its former self.
But solutions are stalled in part because even those who support the creation of a Sierra Nevada Conservancy hold differing visions of projects a conservancy might fund. And, the two Assembly bills diverge on such fundamental issues as the Sierra's boundary, the makeup of the conservancy's board and how much local control would be retained.
Tim Leslie (R-Tahoe City), sponsor of the other bill, said it's a struggle to convince Sierra residents that a conservancy is desirable, even one that might give the area an economic boost.
"This is an area that is conservative and mistrustful of government, for good reason, I might add," Leslie said. "This is a group of strong-willed, independent mountain folks who have already seen 80% to 85% of their community in public ownership. To sell this, we've got to eliminate the fear of state domination."
