On February 3, ForestWatch proudly presented Senate President Pro Tem Monique Limón with the Force for Nature Award at the Power in Nature Coalition’s annual awards ceremony. The Power in Nature Coalition is a statewide alliance of more than 300 community groups, environmental and conservation organizations, land trusts, and Tribal and Indigenous partners working together to protect California’s natural and working lands.
The evening celebrated legislative and state leaders advancing California’s 30×30 goals, which aim to conserve 30% of our lands and coastal waters by 2030. These leaders are helping strengthen conservation policy and increase investment in protecting the places that sustain wildlife and communities across the state.
ForestWatch recognized Senator Limón’s leadership as Chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee. Her efforts and unwavering dedication has helped advance major conservation efforts, including the ongoing removal of the Matilija Dam and protections against offshore oil drilling along California’s Central Coast.
At a time when the Trump administration’s rollbacks and renewed pressure for oil drilling threaten our region, strong state leadership is more important than ever. We encouraged state leaders to continue speaking out and taking action to protect California’s natural resources.
Power in Nature is a community-driven initiative to protect 30% of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. Launched by Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-82-20 , this effort is part of a global movement to address the intertwined climate and extinction crises.
California’s approach focuses on:
- Protecting biodiversity
- Ensuring equitable access to nature
- Addressing climate change
The goal is simple: to ensure future generations inherit healthy ecosystems and meaningful access to open space.
ForestWatch’s Work Advancing 30×30
Los Padres National Forest stands out as a biodiversity hotspot.
It supports:
- 468 wildlife species
- more than 1,200 plant species
- More than 90 species at risk of extinction—more than any other forest in the state.
Protecting large, connected habitats like this is essential to 30×30 success, allowing wildlife to roam freely across landscapes. Through our Room to Roam program, ForestWatch partners with landowners to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and help communities coexist with native species.
In 2024, thanks to more than 5,000 emails from Central Coast supporters, the Room to Roam Act (A.B. 1889) was signed into law. This landmark legislation requires local governments to incorporate wildlife connectivity into their general plans, in consultation with state and local agencies, to reduce barriers that block animal movement across the landscape.
In 2023, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted an ordinance to improve safety for both wildlife and drivers at 14 existing crossing structures in northern Ventura County, including areas within Los Padres National Forest. We are now working to bring similar protections to neighboring counties.
Learn more about our collaborative journey in the “Protecting Wildlife Corridors in Ventura County” storymap.
A Major Win for Mountain Lions
Most recently, on February 12, ForestWatch members urged the California Fish and Game Commission to grant permanent protections under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) for mountain lion populations in Southern California and along the Central Coast.
After years of scientific review, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife found these populations are dangerously isolated and face serious threats, including:
- habitat fragmentation
- vehicle strikes
- rodenticide poisoning
- wildfire
- expanding development
The Commission voted to list these mountain lions as threatened, marking a major step forward for wildlife connectivity and long-term survival.
Looking Ahead
Our work to advance 30×30 is far from over. We are deeply grateful to every member who has taken action, spoken up, and supported these efforts. Together, we are building a future where California’s lands, waters, and wildlife can thrive.
Thank you for standing with us, and for helping protect the wild places that make our region home.