The Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association (ESIA) is dedicated to forging strong emotional and intellectual bonds between the Sierra Nevada public lands and visitor of this broad region. We do this by educating and inspiring people through high quality interpretive products, exhibits, and programs.
ESIA has been committed to serving the Sierra for nearly fifty years. As one of the oldest nonprofits in the region, ESIA 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 nonprofit 501(c)3 status in 1971, ESIA 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.
Today, ESIA holds Participating Agreements with three U.S. National Forests; the Inyo National Forest, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, and Tahoe National Forest. ESIA 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, respectfully. Additionally, ESIA holds a Cooperative Agreement for Visitor and Recreation Services: Education and Interpretive Projects with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Bishop Field Office.