Dillon Paxton once aspired to be an architect but an unforeseen tragedy put an end to his dreams. He is now a fourth generation New Mexico rancher, and is faced with the governments intentions to enforce its environmental laws. The small New Mexico town of Hayden is made up of logging and sawmill industries, along with other ranches like Dillons, and so the newest edicts of the Forest Service will drastically change the lives of most of its inhabitants. Dillons sister, Gabby, falls in love with Trey Sanders, the Forest Service agents son, further complicating the situation. Jayden Harte, world famous movie star, comes to town to make a film, causing Dillons life to become further tangled. When the Forest Service finally takes steps to impose its restrictions, Dillon is forced to make decisions which will affect both the Paxton land and the people he loves.