Let's tackle the biggest threats to time outside in California.
Climate change threatens California’s outdoors with wildfires, floods, excessive heat and more. While every Californian grapples with these extreme weather events, they disproportionately harm the very same communities who already face barriers to accessing time in nature. We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tackle both of these threats to time outside and we need you to help.California lawmakers are considering two important programs–the California 30x30 initiative and the state’s Outdoors for All Plan–that will protect the state’s iconic landscapes and help all Californians, regardless of their zip code, enjoy the outdoors. With support from Californians like you, these programs will protect public lands and waters across the state, expand programming for youth in the outdoors, and create new parks and green spaces close to home.As an outdoor enthusiast who takes time to enjoy California’s public lands and waters, your voice is especially important to get these efforts across the finish line.
Take Cooperative Action by telling your California lawmakers to support the California 30x30 and Outdoors for All initiatives.
In October 2020, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-82029 which establishes a state goal of conserving 30% of California's lands and coastal waters by 2030--known as 30x30. The 30x30 goal is intended to help accelerate conservation of our lands and coastal waters through voluntary, collaborative action with partners across the state to meet three objectives: conserve and restore biodiversity, expand access to nature, and mitigate and build resilience to climate change. California's 30x30 initiative has the following primary objectives:
- Provide for a wide variety of outdoor recreation experiences across conserved areas.
- Increase access points and trails within existing natural areas including coastal areas and urban rivers.
- Protect and restore natural areas and connections within and near urban and rural communities that have barriers of access to nature.
- Incorporate programming, education, outreach, and engagement that is accessible and respresentative of California's cultural diversity.
Read about the 30x30 initiative here.
Outdoors for All is an initiative built to strengthen a growing movement that engages all Californians by expanding parks and outdoor spaces in communities that need them most, supporting programs to connect people who lack access, fostering a sense of belonging or all Californians in the outdoors, and much more. It is led by a broad array of governments in partnership with community organizations and tribes who bring their networks, history of advocacy and lived experience to the shared cause. Together, this movement can build towards a future where all Californians can benefit from the state's incredible outdoor landscapes. The plan is built around five core principles:
- Everyone can regularly access and experience the outdoors while feeling a sense of belonging, and that they are safe and welcome. This allows everyone to form their own relationships with the outdoors that are filled with joy, curiousity, and wonder. Cultural, ceremonial, and sacred access specifically for California Native American tribes is protected to honor ancestral ties.
- Everyone can visit the outdoors without financial burden. This means fees, permits, and lack of transportation do not prohibit people from enjoying parks and natural places.
- Outdoor spaces reflect and celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of California's many communities, cultures, and histories. Parks and outdoor programs are developed in multiple languages and for a broad range of people, including youth, elders and people with disabilities. Visitors learn about teh history of tribal stewardship of these lands.
- Stewards of outdoor spaces represent California's diversity. Everyone who desires to do so pursue careers and leadership roles in outdoor recreation, natural resources, and restoration projects.
- Everyone is inspired to better care for California's lands and waters and protect the health of their communities and ecosystems. This relationship is nurtered in schools and through community programs. Additionally, state policies and initiatives improve both access to the outdoors and public health.
Read about the Outdoors for All Plan here.
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