Water, Air and Soil
Water Resources
Forest management of water resources provides healthy riparian habitats for wildlife, productive fisheries, whitewater recreation opportunities, free flowing streams, and reservoirs for people to enjoy.
Industrial and domestic uses include irrigation for Central Valley crops, hydroelectric power, and drinking water for the Central Valley and desert communities. The establishment of dams and the diversion of water from Sierra streams and rivers turned the Central Valley from a great marshland filled with wildlife into the greatest agriculture area in the world.
These dams also protect valley communities from damaging floods and provide a year-round source of water.