The Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC or Conservancy) is a State agency within the Resources Agency created by bipartisan legislation, co-authored by Assembly Members John Laird and Tim Leslie, and signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in September 2004. It was created with the understanding that the environmental, economic and social well-being of the SNC Region (Region) and its communities are closely linked and that the Region would benefit from an organization providing a strategic direction. The SNC is charged with a broad mission to be accomplished through a variety of activities in collaboration and cooperation with various partners. The statute creating the SNC provides the organization with seven program goals. The SNC's Strategic Plan identifies a set of actions which serve as the foundation for development of specific strategies, approaches and projects designed to achieve these goals.