Durable Local Economy

Nevada County has always had a natural resource-based economy.  This is as true today as it was 150 years ago.  There was a time when some viewed land conservation as a potential obstacle to a flourishing economy.  These days there is a better understanding that local economic development and conservation of strategic landscapes and watersheds are intertwined.  Everyone benefits when thriving economies and thriving ecosystems are recognized as mutually supportive goals.           

Throughout Nevada County there is now an imperative for powerful collaborative decision-making. The opportunity is for anyone with a stake in the health of our community—whether it is in agriculture, the timber industry, ranching, tourism, real estate sales, local chambers of commerce, residential and commercial developers, conservation groups, and social service and social change organizations—to come together and create partnerships in mutual support of economic, social, and environmental goals of our region.

For example, food production is an essential ingredient of any local economy, and we must work to support those who make a living this way. Through partnerships and expanded networks such as Nevada County Grown, local food producers can promote their farms and realize income appreciation.  Ranchers can protect oak habitat through healthy grazing practices. They can also preserve a longstanding family heritage while at the same time protecting our iconic landscapes through conservation easements with Nevada County Land Trust. And all residents benefit from land development projects that integrate open space and public trails with homes and commercial areas.

Sierra Nevada foothill communities, like all rural communities have the need to address the challenges of local economic development, and have an opportunity to do so in a way that is in service to and promotes stewardship of land and water.  Nevada County has one of the most beautiful and richly diverse ecosystems in the world.  Join us in this exciting time of partnership, vision, and opportunity.