Landscape modification and land use over the past 150 years have impacted the Region’s soil resources. These impacts are especially prevalent in and around developed areas, and in areas influenced by Comstock era logging. Urban development, in particular, has physically altered the landscape, resulting in soil removal, grading, compaction, and higher erosion risk. These impacts have altered the ability of soils and vegetation communities to cycle nutrients and absorb and store water. Regional programs for soil conservation direct development towards less sensitive lands and establish restoration goals to reverse the impacts of legacy development in stream environment zones (SEZ).