5 Reasons Why Sierra Watch is a Great Investment in Sierra Conservation

1.  Great Places

Our work is always about the land and its irreplaceable values – the sage meadows of Martis Valley, the sweeping views from Donner Summit, the rocky ridges of the Granite Chief Wilderness, the starry sky above Olympic Valley, the stunning blue waters of Tahoe.  We love these places as much as you do.  And they inspire us to protect them for now and forever.

2.  Unique Role

Sierra Watch has pioneered an effective approach to conservation leadership – playing a singular, strategic role unlike any other organization.  Land trusts, for example, can help broker real estate deals and shepherd land into permanent protection; Sierra Watch keeps the land from being carved up and overdeveloped in the first place – and generates resources to fund preservation. 

3.  Formula for Success

For more than twenty years, we’ve been refining a proven formula for success: (1) identify and assess the threat; (2) craft the best strategy for lasting success; (3) engage the best expertise; (4) offer a values-based vision; and (5) follow through with integrity and discipline.  Everyday, we apply our key strategies to protect the places we love.  And it’s working.

4.  The Sierra Watch Team

Great people save great places, and Sierra Watch believes in finding and engaging the experts our Sierra deserves.  We maintain a small staff of proven conservation leaders and engage outside specialists – planners, biologists, hydrologists, and lawyers – as needed.

5.  Lasting Results

We’re committed to longstanding accomplishments, not short-lived victories.  So we avoid distractions and remain focused on the permanent protection of our favorite Sierra places.  Often that requires an ability to pivot strategically from litigation and conflict to pursue negotiation and collaboration.  Clearly, it’s worth it.  In Martis Valley, for example, our ability to resolve contentious development issues has resulted in permanent protection of more than 5,000 acres.  And we played the leadership role in turning back development threats on Donner Summit, creating once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to protect the entire Royal Gorge property on the crest of the Sierra.  In the long run – to our grandchildren – nothing will matter more.