As renewed threats to sell of public lands, expand oil and gas drilling, and roll back longstanding protections create growing uncertainty, California has an opportunity to lead with bold, permanent policies that protect public lands and expand equitable access to them. That’s why we are proud to sponsor Senate Bill 1268, which would codify the Outdoors for All initiative into state law.
Why SB 1268 is Urgent and Necessary
SB 1268 transforms the Outdoors for All initiative from a temporary administrative program into a lasting state commitment. Recent amendments further strengthen the bill by:
- Formally establishing the Deputy Secretary of Access withing the Natural Resources Agency
- Requiring regular updates to the Outdoors for All strategy
- Ensuring ongoing transparent public input and stakeholder engagement
- Providing greater accountability and transparency
The bill establishes clear goals for expanding equitable access, reducing barriers to outdoor experiences, and prioritizing underserved, disadvantaged, and low-income communities while aligning with the state’s broader 30×30 conservation targets. At a time when federal protections face increasing uncertainty, this legislation provides stability and long-term momentum for ensuring all Californians can connect with the outdoors.
ForestWatch Leading the Way
Through our Outdoor Connections program, we see firsthand the barriers that prevent many families from experiencing the outdoors. Through free guided hikes, camping trips, and snow outings, we create welcoming, culturally relevant pathways to nature and help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
SB 1268 would help ensure programs like ours can continue to grow and connect communities across California to the outdoors. When people face barriers to access—or feel unwelcome or uncertain about the future of public lands—participation declines, along with our collective ability to protect these places. This bill directly counters that reality.
A Special Thank You
We are grateful to the many partners who have helped advance this legislation. In May, ForestWatch joined members of the Power in Nature Coalition in Sacramento to advocate for policies that protect biodiversity, build climate resilience, and expand access to nature.
This year’s Advocacy Day marked the coalition’s fourth annual gathering—and its largest yet—bringing together more than 80 participants representing organizations from across California. Together, we held more than 60 meetings with legislative offices. The Power in Nature Coalition now includes more than 300 organizations working to advance California’s 30×30 goals, and SB 1268 was among this year’s priority bills.
ForestWatch was proud to lead the Central Coast Power in Nature lobbying team. During Advocacy Day, we had the privilege of meeting with the offices of Assemblymember Steve Bennett, Assemblymember Gregg Hart, Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón, and others. We shared on-the-ground impacts of the federal rollbacks, highlighted opportunities for California to continue leading, and advocated for important legislation like SB 1268. Most importantly, Advocacy Day demonstrated the power of collective action—people from across California coming together with diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to building a healthier, more resilient future.
What’s Next
SB 1268 passed the Senate unanimously and is now awaiting hearings in the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee and the Assembly Natural Resources Committee.
You can help move this bill forward by contacting your state representatives and urging them to support and advance SB 1268. Together, we can ensure that access to nature remains a priority.