Category: News
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Trump Administration Announces Plan to Open 850,000 Acres of Central California to Drilling and Fracking
6 min read
Today, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released a study that recommends allowing oil and gas leasing across large portions of central California between the Santa Barbara coast and the Sierra Nevada. The plan, scheduled for approval next year, opens up to 850,000 acres for fossil fuel drilling and fracking. That number includes roughly 400,000…
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The PUBLIC Lands Act is Back!
3 min read
In December 2025, Senators Padilla and Schiff reintroduced the landmark Protecting Unique and Beautiful Landscapes by Investing in California (PUBLIC) Lands Act
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2025 Top Legislative Accomplishments
4 min read
From Sacramento to D.C, your calls to action have turned into lasting victories.
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2025 Top Accomplishments
2 min read
With your generous support, we achieved these milestones together.
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Trump Administration Moves to Rescind Landmark Public Lands Rule
5 min read
A sweeping rollback would strip away key science-based safeguards for wildlife habitat, watersheds, and culturally significant landscapes across the West—including the Cuyama Valley Foothills and Carrizo Plain.
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My Fond Farewell to ForestWatch
7 min read
A look back on Bryant Baker’s nearly decade-long tenure at ForestWatch as he moves on to another organization.
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ForestWatch Endorses the Voluntary Grazing Permit Retirement Act
4 min read
The VGPRA is a voluntary way to retire grazing permits and permanently restore damaged public lands.
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Santa Barbara County Moves to Phase Out Onshore Oil
4 min read
The Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Barbara voted 3-2 to ban new drilling and begin phasing out all existing onshore oil operations.
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Outdoor Connections: October Campout at Leo Carrillo State Park
3 min read
The family campout at Leo Carrillo State Park helped participants connect with nature, build confidence outdoors, and feel a deeper sense of belonging on public lands.
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Your Will Can Safeguard Our Wildlands Forever
2 min read
Create or update your will and help protect local public lands.
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Central Coast Residents Unite in Support of Roadless Rule
4 min read
Nationwide, hundreds of thousands speak out against rollback of land protections
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How the Government Shutdown Affects Local Public Lands
7 min read
Trails and campgrounds remain open for now, but visitor services and natural resources may suffer.
