Nevada County recreation master plan a guide to help boost economy, protect communities – YubaNet

Report on Nevada County Recreation and Resilience Master Plan

Introduction

Nevada County has completed a comprehensive Recreation and Resilience Master Plan aimed at improving environmental and economic conditions for rural communities within public lands, including national forests. This plan emphasizes collaboration and advanced planning to boost recreation while protecting natural resources and infrastructure from wildfires and climate change impacts.

Significance of the Plan

• The plan serves as a foundation for collaboration with outdoor partners and supports project strategy and planning.
• It aims to connect communities through recreation, strengthening local economies amid climate changes.
• It aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

SNC-Funded Plan Adapts to Climate Impacts

Funded by a $200,000 grant from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) and county funds, the plan is the first in Nevada County history to integrate recreational solutions addressing extreme weather, wildfire, drought, and other climate impacts.

According to Nevada County District 5 Supervisor Hardy Bullock, the plan is essential for sustainability and quality of life, promoting climate and wildfire resilience, community health, and supporting the community’s vision for living, working, and recreation.

Recreational Resources and Tourism

1. Popular outdoor sites include South Yuba River, Scotts Flat Reservoir, Tahoe National Forest, and numerous mountain biking and hiking trails.
2. Tourism has increased rapidly, necessitating a long-term vision to protect recreation resources from environmental and human-related impacts.
3. The plan was approved by the Nevada County Board of Supervisors in May 2023.

Plan Focus Areas

• Community and regional park system
• Recreation outposts
• Towns to towns trail system
• Recreation and resiliency hub network
• River access management
• Destination Donner Summit
• Sustainable recreation and communications
• Centralized hub for recreation resources and programming

Holistic Economic and Environmental Approach

The master plan adopts a holistic approach to recreation by focusing on community needs, visitor engagement, and economic opportunities. It recognizes the interconnection between environmental protection and economic sustainability, safeguarding rivers, lakes, and forests to support continued tourism.

Community Engagement and Sustainability

• Extensive community engagement and input were prioritized during the plan’s development.
• The plan promotes community health, safety, economic development, environmental sustainability, and climate change adaptation.
• It supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Future Outlook

While funding for specific projects is still required, key focus areas and projects have been identified and prioritized. The plan is expected to serve as a model for other counties aiming to integrate recreation with resilience and sustainability goals.

Heidi Hall, Nevada County District 1 Supervisor, expressed optimism about the plan’s potential to guide sustainable recreation and resilience efforts in the region.

Conclusion

The Nevada County Recreation and Resilience Master Plan represents a strategic and sustainable approach to managing recreational resources in the face of climate change and increasing tourism. By aligning with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, the plan ensures a balanced focus on environmental protection, economic vitality, and community well-being.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article emphasizes promoting community health and safety through recreation infrastructure.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Focus on boosting the local economy through sustainable tourism and recreation.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Plans to improve community and regional park systems, trails, and recreation hubs.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Adaptation to climate impacts such as extreme weather, wildfires, and drought.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Protection of natural resources including rivers, forests, and parks.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Target 3.4 – Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and promotion of mental health and well-being, supported by recreation and community health initiatives.
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 vulnerable populations.
4. SDG 13: Target 13.1 – Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
5. SDG 15: Target 15.1 – Ensure conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 3.4: Measures of community health and safety improvements linked to recreation infrastructure.
2. Indicator for SDG 8.9: Economic data on tourism growth and local employment related to recreation and outdoor activities.
3. Indicator for SDG 11.7: Number and quality of community and regional parks, trails, and recreation hubs accessible to the public.
4. Indicator for SDG 13.1: Implementation of climate adaptation measures in recreation planning, such as wildfire and drought resilience.
5. Indicator for SDG 15.1: Status and health of natural resources like rivers, lakes, forests, and protected areas.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: yubanet.com