The Sierra Nevada hosts some of the fastest growing conifers on the planet. These trees can absorb tremendous amounts of carbon and form a large carbon "sink" or reservoir.

This ability to take up and store carbon creates economic opportunity, as the carbon trading market becomes an increasingly important part of controlling greenhouse gases and implementing California's Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32). Forest management practices set by the state can maximize the potential for the forests to absorb carbon, while at the same time increasing timber yields.

Carbon sinks can also be developed on agriculture lands by switching from row crops to orchards or pastures, employing managed grazing, using less intensive tillage, and retiring land. At a minimum, agricultural practices can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by reducing diesel emissions, converting to biofuels, or capturing methane from manure.

These agriculture practices have the potential to create revenue for farmers and ranchers that participate in carbon trading markets, while also helping to maintain the quality of farmland.