We’re counting down the days to November 5th, when California voters will have the opportunity to vote on Proposition 4, also known as California’s climate bond.
Prop. 4 is a $10 billion bond that could help California prepare for the impacts of climate change before the costs become far greater, and give California’s 30×30 plan a much needed boost.
Prop. 4 will also support conservation work protecting land up and down the Diablo Range, protecting the landscapes of a biodiversity refuge full of wildlife and rare plants.
Please vote YES on Prop 4 to help California’s 30×30 plan get the funding that it needs to succeed.
30×30: What’s Our Progress So Far?
Map and charts showing 25.2 percent of land has been protected in California as of June 2024. Graphics: State of California
According to state of California’s 2024 30×30 progress report, as of this June, 25.2 percent of California’s lands and 16.2 percent of its coastal waters are now under some form of long-term protection.
This year, 861,000 acres of land were added and have been recorded into the California Protected Areas Database (CPAD) and the California Conservation Easement Database (CCED).
Since tracking began in 2022, California has protected more than 1 million acres of land that count towards 30×30.
This progress is great news, but to achieve the goal of protecting 30 percent of California’s lands and waters by 2030, California must conserve an additional 4.8 million acres of land and 500,000 acres of coastal waters.
Why Voting YES on Proposition 4 Is Critical
California condors use the Diablo Range as a wildlife corridor. Proposition 4, if passed, will help protect land across the state, including key wildlife corridors. The measure includes $1.2 billion for nature-based solutions, including habitat restoration for wildlife, and $700 million for more parks and better access to them. Photo: Erin Lehnert
If we want to keep up the momentum and achieve the 30×30 goal, we need to support conservation throughout the state.
Prop. 4 designates $1.2 billion towards nature-based solutions to climate change, as well as $700 million for more parks and better access to them. These solutions also include ecological restoration and stewardship to support healthy habitats.
In recent years, thanks to conservation efforts throughout the state, we’ve enjoyed a flurry of good news such as the return of keystone species including North American beaver, gray wolf, and wolverine to state lands.
Plus, the once near-extinct California condor has been expanding its range; a flock of condors recently paid Mount Diablo another visit.
And on May 2, 2024, President Biden expanded two national monuments in California, the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument and Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, permanently protecting 119,615 acres of land.
Over the next year, 30×30 efforts are unfortunately expected to receive less funding in the 2024–2025 state budget, which could slow progress.
However, if Prop. 4 passes, it will support conservation projects throughout the state and help them get the funding they need for us to reach our 30×30 goals.
Protecting the Diablo Range
Wildflowers at sunset in the Panoche Valley and Panoche Hills, part of the Diablo Range. Prop. 4 would provide up to $80 million for protection of land in the Diablo Range through the San Andreas Corridor Program. Photo: Haley Sutton
The Diablo Range is a vital habitat corridor and habitat for imperiled megafauna such as California condor, mountain lion, and tule elk.
It is home to hundreds of species of birds and supports numerous rare and endemic plants, in part because of the unusual serpentine soils found in some areas of the range.
Despite its bountiful natural wonders, only 25 percent of the Diablo Range has any protection.
Prop. 4 will specifically dedicate up to $80 million to the conservation of the greater Diablo Range through the San Andreas Corridor Program. This money will be a game-changer, directly resulting in the protection and restoration of wildlife corridors in our area.
We have an opportunity to permanently protect the priceless natural landscapes of the Diablo Range, and help California reach its 30×30 goal by protecting more land up and down the range.
The impacts of climate change and habitat loss won’t wait for a better budget year. Help ensure that the good news keeps coming and vote YES on 4.
