US Forest Service

"The Sierra National Forest, located on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada, is known for its spectacular mountain scenery and abundant natural resources. The Sierra National Forest encompasses more than 1.3 million acres between 900 and 13,986 feet in elevation. The terrain includes rolling, oak-covered foothills, heavily forested middle elevation slopes and the starkly beautiful alpine landscape of the High Sierra. Abundant fish and wildlife, varied mountain flora and fauna and numerous recreational opportunities make the Sierra National Forest an outdoor lover's paradise.

Placed under Federal protection and management in 1893, when the area was designated the Sierra Forest Reserve, these lands have met public needs for wood, water and outdoor recreation for more than a century. Today, the Forest's many rugged wilderness areas makes it one of the most popular National Forests in the United States."

Quoted from the Sierra National Forest website.