Beginning with the explorers, the continuing onslaught of settlers, and ranching, mining and lumbering enterprises invading the People's traditional homelands signaled the end of a way of life. It was a period of great social disruption; families were uprooted and torn apart, countless lives lost in episodes of sudden violence. The natural foods upon which the People depended were rapidly destroyed by an alien economic system. The pinenut groves, which were the "orchards" of the People, were cut down for firewood and mine timbers. Ranchers claimed vast areas of the People's land and denied them access except as low-paid workers. Diseases and vices introduced by the Euro-Americans also took a heavy toll. The People experienced racism and economic exploitation for the first time. Despite these traumatic hardships, the People were forced to adapt, finding jobs, attending Western-style schools, starting ranches, farms and business enterprises. Today, Native Americans are accepted as a important part of the state's social and economic life, yet the clash of cultures continues over such issues as water rights.