Conserving Lands in the Eastern Sierra

How does the ESLT benefit people of the Eastern Sierra by conserving working landscapes and open space?

Conserving ranches, farms, and other scenic open spaces in our region enriches the quality of life for residents and enhances quality recreational opportunities for visitors in the Eastern Sierra. Ranching and farming contribute to the region’s economic vitality and complement the recreation and tourism businesses that depend upon our spectacular views, our wildlife, our clean air and water, and access to public lands.

Why is conserving open space critical when over 90% of Inyo and Mono Counties are already public lands?

Although state and federal public agencies and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power hold the vast majority of lands in Inyo and Mono Counties, many still-undeveloped private lands contribute critically to wildlife habitat and to the unique rural and scenic character of our region. Working farms and ranches are culturally important and they sustain our rural economies. Private lands adjacent to springs, creeks, and wetlands, within wildlife migration corridors, or along Highway 395 have special biological and scenic values. Conserving these irreplaceable lands through voluntary land protection agreements, trades, or purchases, benefits the public economically and environmentally.

How does conserving lands affect tax bases for counties and communities in the Eastern Sierra?

Experience from the majority of land trusts in the United States demonstrates that conservation of key properties has minimal negative impacts on local tax bases. In fact, studies show that careful development combined with wise conservation raises property values and an area’s overall economic vitality as tourism increases and returns on investments improve. Further, conservation imposes fewer financial burdens on communities than many types of development. Counties must often bear increased infrastructure costs associated with development. Conservation reduces expenditures for road building and maintenance, sewers, power, schools, libraries, and other emergency and social services.