Today, the Power in Nature Coalition is spotlighting recent progress toward California’s goal of conserving 30% of its lands and waters by 2030 (30×30). In August, the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) approved $21.7 million in grants to 16 habitat protection and restoration projects across 11 counties. This comes on the heels of their previous round of funding in May, where they awarded $59.5 million in grants to support 25 habitat protection and restoration projects across 21 counties.
“The Wildlife Conservation Board is proud to play a leading role in advancing California’s 30×30 commitment,” said Jennifer Norris, Executive Director of the Wildlife Conservation Board. “Protecting biodiversity, strengthening climate resilience, and expanding access to nature are at the heart of WCB’s mission and strategic plan. By funding projects like these, we are ensuring that California’s lands and waters will continue to sustain wildlife and people for generations to come.”
Rancho Cañada Larga Project: A $14.75 million grant to Trust for Public Land (TPL) to acquire approximately 6,475 acres near the city of Ventura featuring coastal sage scrub, native grasslands, oak woodlands, chaparral, and riparian habitats that support at least 20 special-status wildlife species and eight rare plant species. The site provides critical habitat for the California red-legged frog and Southern California steelhead, and lies within the year-round range of the California condor. These lands also hold cultural significance and protect a critical wildlife corridor connecting two major watersheds and national forests.
“We’re grateful to the CA Wildlife Conservation Board for their continued leadership in advancing California’s bold 30×30 vision,” said Guillermo Rodriguez, Vice President, Pacific Region and California State Director, Trust for Public Land. “Investments like the nearly $15 million for Rancho Cañada Larga are essential to preserving iconic landscapes, safeguarding biodiversity, and helping communities adapt to the growing threats of climate change. Protecting this land not only secures vital habitat—it ensures future generations can connect with nature in meaningful, lasting ways.”
Learn more information about the projects supported by these grants from August and May.
Background on 30×30:
Scientists worldwide agree that to protect life as we know it, we must conserve at least 30% of the Earth’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. In 2020, Governor Newsom committed California to the 30×30 goal, and in 2023, that goal became state law.
California is making strong progress towards 30×30, but millions of acres still must be conserved in less than five years. Preserving the state’s lands and coastal waters will help address the impacts of climate change, protect animal and plant species at risk for extinction, and expand access to nature for Californians.
About the Power In Nature Coalition
Power In Nature is a statewide coalition of community groups, environmental and conservation organizations, land trusts, Indigenous organizations, and Tribal members dedicated to advancing California’s 30×30 commitment. The Power In Nature coalition has identified nearly 100 potential 30×30 projects across the state and works on a broad range of issues, including biodiversity protection, climate resilience, equity, recreation, outdoor access, and social justice. For more information, visit PowerInNature.org.
