On March 19th, ForestWatch joined over 80 organizations at the state Capitol to advocate for the protection of public lands. Power In Nature (PIN) is a statewide coalition of more than 100 community groups, environmental and conservation organizations, land trusts, indigenous organizations, and tribal members dedicated to advancing California’s 30×30 commitment.
In 2020, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-82-20, which set a goal to conserve 30% of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030- known as 30×30. The initiative aims to accelerate conservation of lands and coastal waters through voluntary, collaborative action across the state to conserve and restore biodiversity, expand access to nature, and mitigate and build resilience to climate change.
ForestWatch met with the offices of Assemblymembers Addis, Bennett, Hart, Iwin, as well as Senators Laird, and Limón. In each meeting, we emphasized the need for stronger protections for public lands along the Central Coast and within their district.
We highlighted the critical role the Los Padres National Forest plays in providing habitat for 468 species of wildlife, over 1,200 plant species, and over 90 species at risk of extinction—more so than any forest in the state. Protecting intact habitats like this is essential to achieving 30×30, as it allows for wildlife to roam freely. We also shared how our Room to Roam program works with landowners to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and educates the public on coexisting with our native wildlife.
During our legislative visits, we proudly shared that more than 5,000 of our Central Coast members submitted emails in support of A.B. 1889 “Room to Roam Act”, which passed successfully! This bill requires local governments to prepare wildlife connectivity as part of their general plans, in consultation with state and local agencies, to avoid or minimize impacts and barriers to wildlife movement.
We also discussed how we’ve been spearheading wildlife connectivity efforts locally. In 2023, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to adopt a new ordinance ensuring safe passage for wildlife and vehicles at 14 existing crossing structures in the northern part of the county, including within the boundary of the Los Padres National Forest. To learn more about our journey in helping facilitate Ventura County’s adoption of the ordinance, visit the “Protecting Wildlife Corridors in Ventura County” storymap. We’re now working to bring similar ordinances to the neighboring counties.
Lastly, we emphasized the importance of the Carrizo Plain National Monument in achieving 30×30. It’s size, remoteness, and intact landscape make it one of the few remaining pristine wildlife habitats of California’s Central Valley region. To fully protect the region’s unique landscape, additional conservation efforts are needed, including the long-awaited completion of the Land Management Plan for the Carrizo Plains Ecological Reserve. The Land Management Plan will serve as a guide to manage wildlife habitat and public access to the important linkage between the Los Padres National Forest and the Carrizo Plain National Monument.
We look forward to continuing our work with state leadership to bridge the gap between government levels to fully protect our public lands.
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