On August 15, 2024, ForestWatch presented at The Power of Participation event at CEC Environmental Hub hosted by 350, CEC and Fearless Grandmothers. The panel of speakers demystified the California legislative process and shared insights on effective activism. The speakers include Michelle Sevilla (350SB steering committee member and Director of Communications for Assemblymember Steve Bennett), Kathi King (CEC), Carla Mena (Director of Policy & Legislative Affairs for Los Padres ForestWatch) and Katie Davis (Vice-Chair of Sierra Club, California).
Wildlife Corridors Legislation
ForestWatch discussed the importance of wildlife corridors and shared our new “Protecting Wildlife Corridors in Ventura County” storymap. The Los Padres National Forest is home to at least 27 species protected under the Endangered Species Act, the largest amount compared to any other national forest in California. Recent habitat fragmentation has led to biodiversity loss and species isolation. A wildlife corridor is a relatively undeveloped strip of habitat that connects wildlife populations separated by roads, buildings, agricultural land, and other infrastructure. Larger mammals like mountain lions, bears, badgers, and bighorn sheep require a wider range of habitats and are the most threatened by habitat fragmentation and climate change.
Photo by Bryant Baker/Los Padres ForestWatch
Two key wildlife corridors legislation in California:
- AB 1889 (Room to Roam Act): This bill requires local governments to integrate wildlife corridors into their land use planning, aiming to reduce habitat fragmentation. AB 1889 is still active in the state legislature and awaits for Governor Newsom’s signature.
- AB 2320 (Wildlife Connectivity and Climate Adaptation Act of 2024): Requires the Natural Resources Agency report to include an update on the state’s progress towards addressing the priority wildlife corridors, as defined, identified in the Restoring California’s Wildlife Connectivity report by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and goals for wildlife corridor protection in the next five years. Unfortunately, AB 2320 was held in suspension during the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on August 15, 2024.
Despite our success with the Ventura County Wildlife Corridor ordinance passed last year, cities have not yet implemented similar ordinances.
ForestWatch identified key chokepoints that make it difficult for wildlife movement in urbanized areas. The three primary chokepoints we found are the following cities: Camarillo-Thousand Oaks, Moorpark-Simi Valley, and Thousand Oaks-Simi Valley. If AB 1889 is signed into law, it would help address these barriers. ForestWatch is actively working with Ventura County cities to ensure they have a wildlife ordinance ready to implement once the legislation passes. You can support AB 1889 Room to Roam Act by sending a message to Governor Newsom!
Legislative Process
Attendees learned about the California legislative process and the points where ordinary people can help good bills get signed into law. This year a remarkable number of good environmental bills have been proposed, though many have not progressed. Final votes will be cast on surviving bills during Floor Days, August, 19- 30. This is a crucial time to let our representatives know what bills we support. ForestWatch’s CA Top Legislative Tracker is updated regularly, and we encourage you to visit our Action Center to engage with our active campaigns and make a difference!
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