Natural Capital
A Summary of Findings
Natural Capital
in the Sierra Nevada exhibits both strengths and weaknesses. Because only
16 percent of the land in the Sierra Nevada is privately owned, future
settlement patterns are more predictable than statewide, helping to maintain
a healthy natural capital. Designations of land use through general plans
provide a balance in communities and help preserve open space. The Sierra
Nevada supplies about 60 percent of California’s usable fresh water. Between
1990 and 2003, the value of agriculture produced in the Central Valley
using Sierra Nevada water was valued at $15-18 billion per year. Advances
in hydropower and geothermal electricity production allow the Sierra Nevada
to export electricity to a wider portion of California state. Increases
in production result in lower wholesale electricity prices.
Troubling trends
include the loss of farmland in the North Central counties, where thousands
of acres of highly valuable fruit orchards and nut trees have been lost.
Pressures for development continue to threaten open space, particularly
in the North and North Central counties. Throughout the Sierra, certain
habitats have limited protection from conversion, including oak-dominated
landscapes, riparian areas, and agricultural lands. Fire hazard is significant
on 45% of the Sierra Nevada landscape. Air quality is declining due to
both particulate matter and ozone. As a result of decreasing snowpack
levels and subsequent snowmelt, groundwater levels are falling. Commuters
into the region are significant contributors to traffic congestion resulting
in increased air and water pollution.
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INDICATORS OF NATURAL CAPITAL
Land
Use
Water
Use
Groundwater
Agricultural
Production
Farm
Acreage
Williamson
Act
Value
of Agriculture Using Sierra Nevada Water
Value
of Agriculture Sold Directly to Individuals
Organic
Agriculture
Forests
and Timber Production
Fire
Threat
Air
Pollution
Air
Pollution- Ozone
Global
Warming
Energy
Production
Energy
Use
Electricity
Prices
Vehicle
Miles Traveled
Waste
Toxics
Pollution
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