Coalition for Unified Recreation
in the Eastern Sierra
MISSION
CURES is a nonprofit, community-based organization that catalyzes public/private partnerships to enhance and protect outdoor recreational opportunities in the Eastern Sierra and the resources upon which such experiences are based. CURES boasts a diverse membership including representatives from the outdoor recreation industries, government agencies, user groups, environmental organizations and the community at-large, all of whom are united under a common goal. 
CURES was founded on the belief that the Eastern Sierra's unparalleled natural environment and vast open spaces provide an increasingly valuable experience for vistors and residents and that sustainable outdoor recreation is the cornerstone in providing a healthy regional economy.
History
The Coalition was formed in 1991 with the general goals and objectives of: sharing information, ideas, and technologies; developing public and private partnerships; reducing duplication of services; sharing resources; improving coordination between federal, state, and local agencies; enhancing and improving visitor services and recreation opportunities; improving natural resource protection and management; minimizing conflict among recreationists; improving the economic status of both the private and public sectors; approaching planning and public service holistically; cooperating on funding; and getting to know the stakeholders better.
To help define its vision for the future, CURES' participants in July 1992 went through a "futuring" exercise—a methodology for "future-tense thinking" in order to identify and influence preferred futures. The group totaled 40 and represented local Chambers of Commerce, the tourism industry, private recreation providers, the environmental community, local government, and federal, state, and local land management agencies. This exercise resulted in the following mission statement:
CURES is dedicated to preserving the Eastern Sierra's natural, cultural, and economic resources, and enriching the experiences of visitors and residents.
A task group then produced a vision statement and began a "gap analysis" to develop a strategic plan for specific steps to achieve the desired future conditions of recreation in the Eastern Sierra through programs on recreational opportunities, interpretation and marketing. The vision statement which follows is written as though the year were 2010 and the desired future state had become a reality.
* The Eastern Sierra's unparalleled natural environment and vast open spaces provide an increasingly valuable experience for visitors and residents.
* A sustainable environment is the cornerstone of recreation and tourism, which are the foundations of the area's healthy economy.
* The integrity of our ecological systems, cultural resources, and historical heritage is valued and protected.
* The Eastern Sierra offers high quality interpretive opportunities, allowing visitors to better appreciate and respect the region's unique environmental and cultural diversity.
* The recreation economy is diversified with respect to the kinds of appropriate recreation opportunities and activities provided.
* Income from tourism is balanced year-round, making efficient use of available infrastructure and services.
* High quality outdoor recreation experiences in the region are compatible and sustainable with our economy, society and natural environment.
* Each community has its own individual character and ambiance. The region has retained its rural atmosphere.
* Cooperative partnerships and forums, such as CURE, provide a foundation for constructive discussions and common ground decision making among government, the private sector, and individuals.
* Continuing scientific research in the Eastern Sierra helps to improve management of ecological, cultural, historic, and economic resources.