Policy

In 2020, Governor Newsom committed California to an ambitious goal: conserve 30% of our lands and coastal waters by 2030. This “30x30” initiative isn’t just about setting aside more protected areas; it’s a comprehensive strategy to protect biodiversity, expand equitable access to nature, and build resilience to climate change across California’s diverse landscapes and waters. California has made meaningful progress towards the 30x30 goal. Currently, 24.4% of our lands and 16.2% of coastal waters meet the 30x30 conservation criteria, defined as areas that are durably protected and managed to sustain functional ecosystems and the diversity of life they support. But with less than five years remaining, we still need to conserve millions of additional acres to reach this critical goal. The Power In Nature Coalition No single organization can achieve 30x30 alone. That’s why Tuleyome is a proud member of the Power In Nature Coalition; a network made powerful by the collective work of over 250 community groups, conservation organizations, land trusts, and Indigenous organizations working together to conserve and protect the diverse landscapes of California. This statewide network coordinates advocacy, identifies priority conservation projects , and ensures that 30x30 implementation protects biodiversity, fosters meaningful relationships, and partners with state agencies and diverse communities. Power In Nature works on multiple fronts: defending conservation funding in state budgets, identifying potential 30x30 projects across California, and advocating for policies that support rather than undermine conservation progress. Power In Nature has multiple regional groups to elevate geographical priorities and empower local organizations to connect state-level policy to on-the-ground conservation work in their communities. Tuleyome’s Role in Advancing 30x30 At Tuleyome, our work protecting the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument directly contributes to California’s 30x30 goals. We’re actively engaged with Power In Nature’s Sacramento Valley regional group, as well as the Far North and Bay Area regional groups, helping coordinate conservation efforts across our region and connecting local priorities to statewide advocacy. Tuleyome has also participated in Power In Nature Advocacy Days, where we met with state elected officials to discuss policies and legislation that further or hinder the 30x30 conservation goals. How You Can Support 30x30 Whether you’re a landowner, community member, or fellow conservation advocate, there are many ways you can support 30x30 progress. There are multiple qualifying conservation lands that have not been added to the Conserved Areas Explorer and this is one of the many ways people can get involved to help track areas protected. If you’re interested in learning more about 30x30 activities in your region, check out the Power In Nature regional groups and sign up to attend monthly regional meetings or gain access to Power In Nature’s newsletter. Most importantly, through Power In Nature, you can make your voice heard by participating in local advocacy days or contacting your state legislators to encourage their support for full funding to conservation agencies and protection of environmental review processes. California’s commitment to conserve 30% of our lands and waters by 2030 is achievable, but only if we work together to make it a reality. If you have questions about how to get involved with 30x30 or Power In Nature, don’t hesitate to reach out! Bryan Pride Tuleyome Policy Director

Last year tested us. We watched as the administration attempted to auction off millions of acres of public lands, an unprecedented attack on places we’ve fought to protect for decades. We saw rollbacks of critical environmental protections and threats to lands that belong to all of us. But we also showed up. Together, as a community, we rallied, we organized, and we pushed back against some of the most aggressive land sell-offs ever proposed. And we won some of those fights. In December, just before Congress recessed, Senator Padilla introduced the Protecting Unique and Beautiful Landscapes by Investing in California (PUBLIC) Lands Act , a beacon of what’s possible when we refuse to give up. This isn’t just another bill. It’s a statement that California is refusing to let our public lands become bargaining chips. The PUBLIC Lands Act would protect over 1.7 million acres of California public lands throughout northwest California, the Central Coast and Los Angeles County. That protection includes 550,000 acres of new wilderness and nearly 700 miles of wild and scenic rivers. It includes provisions for forest restoration and fire resilience on another 871,000 acres, work that is desperately needed. This package pulls together three essential bills: Congressman Huffman's Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation and Working Forest Act , which protects 484,733 acres and 479.8 miles of rivers, old-growth forest, salmon streams and wild places that define the North Coast. Representative Carbajal’s Central Coast Heritage Protection Act secures 385,842 acres including critical habitat in Los Padres National Forest, home to California Condors and threatened watersheds. Representative Judy Chu’s San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act that protects 35,335 acres, expanding access to nature for millions of Angelenos who live in communities with some of the lowest park access in the country despite having mountains right in their backyard. The PUBLIC Lands Act matters because it’s happening now when our public lands face their greatest threats. Our champions in Congress aren’t waiting for a better political moment, they’re fighting for these places when the fight matters most. We will be tracking this bill closely and keeping you updated as it moves through Congress. In the meantime, call your representatives and thank Senator Padilla , Representative Huffman , Representative Carabajal and Representative Chu for introducing this legislation. Let them know you support it. Our voices help move good legislation through Congress, especially when the opposition is loud. If 2025 taught us anything, it's that defending our public lands isn’t a one-time battle. It’s the work we do together, every single day. Bryan Pride Tuleyome Policy Director