Often when people think of the Sierra Nevada, they envision millions of acres of untouched wilderness forming the backdrop for small historic communities—communities that symbolise the rural, small town culture that so many Americans idealise. However, the Sierra Nevada region has been challenged to maintain this mix of rural life and wildness, and will continue to be challenged to preserve qualities that draw so many people to live and visit in the Range of Light. The planning decisions made today will have a direct impact on what happens in the coming decades. It is not too late to choose the type of future that is wanted.