SNC opens two grant programs – Sierra Nevada Conservancy (.gov)

Report on Nevada County Recreation and Resilience Master Plan: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Nevada County has completed a comprehensive Recreation and Resilience Master Plan aimed at promoting outdoor access and building wildfire resilience amid climate change. This plan emphasizes collaboration and strategic prioritization of projects that enhance environmental and economic conditions for rural communities embedded within public lands, including national forests. The initiative aligns closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), climate action (SDG 13), good health and well-being (SDG 3), and life on land (SDG 15).

Funding and Development

The master plan was developed with the support of a $200,000 grant from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) and county funds. It represents the first of its kind in Nevada County and among the first in California to integrate recreational solutions that adapt to extreme weather, wildfires, drought, and other climate impacts.

Key Objectives and Focus Areas

The plan focuses on eight critical areas to ensure sustainable recreation and resilience:

1. Community and regional park system
2. Recreation outposts
3. Towns-to-towns trail system
4. Recreation and resiliency hub network
5. River access management
6. Destination Donner Summit
7. Sustainable recreation and communications
8. Centralized hub for recreation resources and programming

Integration with Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: By enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities, the plan promotes physical activity and mental health for residents and visitors.
• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: The plan supports economic development through sustainable tourism, safeguarding jobs linked to outdoor recreation.
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: It fosters resilient infrastructure and community engagement to adapt to climate-related challenges.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: The plan incorporates strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts such as wildfires and droughts.
• SDG 15 – Life on Land: Protecting rivers, forests, and trails preserves biodiversity and natural resources critical to ecosystem health.

Community Engagement and Economic-Environmental Synergy

The plan was developed with extensive input from county residents and visitors, ensuring that it addresses the needs of local communities while supporting tourism. This holistic approach recognizes the interdependence of environmental protection and economic vitality, aiming to sustain both through balanced and sustainable recreation management.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The Recreation and Resilience Master Plan serves as a strategic framework to safeguard Nevada County’s natural assets and recreational infrastructure against the growing threats of climate change. It is expected to act as a model for other counties seeking to integrate sustainability and resilience into their recreational planning. Continued efforts will focus on securing investments to implement prioritized projects, thereby advancing the county’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses promoting community health and safety through outdoor recreation opportunities.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Focus on boosting local economy and tourism through sustainable recreation development.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Emphasis on community engagement, regional park systems, and sustainable recreation infrastructure.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Addressing climate change adaptation and resilience, wildfire protection, and extreme weather impacts.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Protecting natural resources such as rivers, forests, and trails from environmental and human impacts.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Target 3.4 – Promote mental health and well-being by providing access to outdoor recreation that supports community health and safety.
2. SDG 8: Target 8.9 – Promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
3. SDG 11: Target 11.7 – Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible green and public spaces, particularly for recreation.
4. SDG 13: Target 13.1 – Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters, including wildfires and drought.
5. SDG 15: Target 15.1 – Ensure conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, forests, and freshwater resources.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 3.4: Number of community members engaging in outdoor recreation activities that promote health and well-being.
2. Indicator for SDG 8.9: Economic growth metrics related to tourism revenue and employment in recreation-related sectors.
3. Indicator for SDG 11.7: Area and quality of accessible parks, trails, and recreation facilities developed or maintained.
4. Indicator for SDG 13.1: Number and effectiveness of projects aimed at wildfire resilience and climate adaptation implemented.
5. Indicator for SDG 15.1: Status and health of natural resources such as rivers, forests, and protected lands monitored over time.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: sierranevada.ca.gov