Rapidly expanding foothill urban areas are scattered throughout the section. Large and small water impoundments are common. Cultural Ecology . Humans have been utilizing the section for about 10,000 years, and have been an integral part of its ecology for 3,000 to 5,000 years. Sierran foothills contain some of the densest year-round prehistoric habitation locations in California, particularly along riparian areas, where intensive occupation, resource procurement and processing practices, and vegetation manipulation ofttimes altered the environment.
Human environment is characterized by a rural lifestyle of open space and out-door leisure activity.
Recreation is the primary economic emphasis, trailed by government employment. The foothills, in particular, are experiencing rapid retiree and commuter resident growth. The Sierra Nevada Foothills section is divided into 5 subsections. To obtain information about a particular subsection, click the subsection.