The Lost Sierra is one of California’s most breathtaking — and least understood — mountain regions.
In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, Charlie sits down with Greg Williams, founder of the Connected Communities initiative, to explore how a bold vision for trails and recreation is helping rural mountain towns build a sustainable future.
From the economic power of outdoor recreation to the realities of rebuilding after the Dixie Fire, Greg shares how connecting communities through trails is creating new opportunities for residents, visitors, and future generations alike.
This conversation is about more than trails — it’s about stewardship, resilience, and why the future of the Sierra may be unfolding north of Truckee.
• What the Connected Communities initiative is
• Why trails are key to rural mountain economies
• How the Dixie Fire reshaped the region
• The role of recreation in conservation
• How visitors can support small Sierra towns
Sierra Rec Now explores the stories, people, and places shaping outdoor recreation across the Sierra Nevada and beyond — from trail insights to conservation conversations and travel inspiration.
In This EpisodeAbout Sierra Rec Now