FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2020

Yesterday, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order stating, “the well-being of our communities and California’s economic sustainability are interconnected with our natural and cultural resources.” With the growing impact of climate change threating California’s future, the Governor has directed state agencies to deploy strategies to store carbon in the state’s natural and working lands. The order also sets an ambitious goal to conserve 30 percent of the state’s land and coastal water by 2030 to fight species loss and ecosystem destruction.   

“California’s state parks and public lands are a critical part of the solution in the fight against climate change, and in fact, are already being transformed by climate impacts happening right now,” offered Rachel Norton, Executive Director of California State Parks Foundation. “We are encouraged by the Governor’s actions to recognize the value of our natural resources and are eager to work with leaders across California to achieve these ambitious goals.” 

California is home to 280 state park units, over 340 miles of coastline, 970 miles of lake and river frontage, and 4,500 miles of trails, comprised the largest and most diverse natural and cultural resources in the nation. Parks and trees are one of the most effective ways to combat extreme heat and sequester carbon and greenhouse gases that propel climate change.