Sierra Forever (formerly Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association, or ESIA) has been committed to serving the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin region for over fifty years. As one of the oldest nonprofits in the region, Sierra Forever was established in 1970 by visionary citizens interested in helping the U.S. Forest Service provide interpretive education relevant to the unique surrounding landscape and to communicate with the public about the importance of public lands of the Sierra. Before receiving its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 1972, Sierra Forever became one of the first independent organizations in the United States to operate under a Participating Agreement with the U.S. Forest Service for interpretive services.

At the time, the word “interpretation,” or one of its variations, had to be part of the name of any organization that signed a partnership agreement with the Forest Service. According to the National Association for Interpretation, interpretation is “a purposeful approach to communication that facilitates meaningful, relevant, and inclusive experiences that deepen understanding, broaden perspectives, and inspire engagement with the world around us.” But that nomenclature is no longer mandatory.

Today, Sierra Forever partners with four U.S. National Forests: the Inyo, Humboldt-Toiyabe, Tahoe and Klamath National Forests; holds one formal Vendor Agreement and two Cooperative Agreements with the U.S. National Park Service: Death Valley National Park, Devils Postpile National Monument, and Manzanar National Historic Site, respectively. Additionally, Sierra Forever holds a Cooperative Agreement for Visitor and Recreation Services: Education and Interpretive Projects with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Bishop Field Office.