California moves closer to achieving executive order through Land Trust acquisition

In 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to help conserve and protect lands in his state. Known as “30×30,” the goal was to conserve “30 percent of California’s coastal lands and waters by 2030,” according to California Nature.

By mid-2024, the state was heading in the right direction. California Nature shared in it 30×30 annual progress report that “25.2 percent of California’s land and 16.2 percent of its coastal waters are under conservation and long-term care for the benefit of plant, animal, and human communities.”

Those numbers are set to improve as more than 160 acres were recently purchased in a land trust. By his kindness Oswit Land Trustpart of California’s Riverside County are now protected and preserved, helping to move closer to achieving the order’s goal.

“These ecosystems are home to several federally threatened and state endangered animal species,” as they share Palm Springs Post.

According to Bettina Rosmarino, director of land acquisition, this was “property that would otherwise have been destroyed.” The wildlife that call home the area and the people who help push Newsom’s order will certainly be happy about it.

Not only is land acquisition one of the goals in 30×30, but there will also be an emphasis on parks and outdoor recreation. Landowners, fishermen and farmers will have some incentives and the job market will hopefully grow.

These conservation efforts will help keep endangered species safe, whether they are plants or animals, and help combat harm to the community, such as reducing carbon emissions and reducing the risk of flooding.

All these efforts, however, are becoming expensive. Jane Garrison, who is chief executive of the trust, hopes people will be willing to help.

“Hopefully some angels will show up and help us cover the $125,000 we had to put up to save this land,” she said via the Post.

Donations can be made to the Oswit Land Trust through their website for anyone who wants to contribute and contribute. Any amount helps conservation efforts, as they are underway in several states, including Nevada and Massachusetts, as well as California.