In 2003, Sierra Watch commissioned planning and conservation biology experts to produce a set of Conservation Priorities for Martis Valley, providing specific recommendations for revising the land use map in the Martis Valley Community Plan to direct development away from valuable resource areas.
The Sierra Watch team drew a bold line around 15,000 acres to map our Martis Valley Conservation Priorities. Most of that land – about 80% – was threatened by pending or potential development.
Sierra Watch embarked on a long term strategic campaign, building grassroots support, engaging additional expertise, challenging illegal development proposals, and, eventually, sitting down with landowners and officials to work together to make our conservation vision a reality.
This version of our map took first prize at the 2011 International Conservation Mapping Contest. But what we’re most proud of is what it shows: that we can work together to protect the places we love.
Now we’re working to secure the last big piece of our Martis Valley conservation puzzle – and look forward to painting the properties shown in orange on this map as “Sierra Pacific Industries” green, too.
Martis Valley
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