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A Year of Growth and Connection California Council of Land Trusts’ (CCLT) purpose is to conserve California’s extraordinary land and water resources through a strong network of land trusts with one cohesive voice across urban and rural communities. 2024 was a year of great impact for CCLT on behalf of the land trust community in California. We launched two significant …

The Karuk Tribe and the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) have entered into a historic agreement as part of CNRA’s and California Environmental Protection Agency’s (CalEPA) announcement that SB 310 (Dodd 2024) is now in effect. This landmark legislation and agreement acknowledge tribal sovereignty and addresses historical injustices while contributing to the mitigation of catastrophic wildfire by enabling CNRA and …

Congratulations to our members!

The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County announced that the Estrada Ranch—1,205 mountainous acres in the heart of the Pajaro Hills in Santa Cruz County—has been protected in perpetuity through a conservation easement.  Read More 

Earlier this month, Save Mount Diablo closed escrow on the Ginochio Schwendel Ranch. With this purchase, they are permanently protecting a 98-acre property along the Marsh Creek wildlife corridor between Clayton and Brentwood—just one week after receiving approval for the last half of necessary funding.  Partners included the Ginochio family, the Wildlife Conservation Board for providing significant funding to the …

“Sierra Foothill Conservancy is honored to work in partnership with the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation to return first stewards to the land with the Big Rock Project. Rematriation of this land is part of our ongoing collaboration which focuses on restoring the ethics and values of indigenous people and indigenous stewardship to the land. The principles of reciprocity are values …

*The funding opportunities presented in this list are not exhaustive or complete. CCLT encourages organizations to check federal agency websites for up-to-date information about the status of federal grant programs. 

Land Trust Alliance (LTA) recently shared a newly created resource hub for land trusts with updates and information to help navigate the rapidly changing federal funding landscape. From an overview of the latest Federal actions to the potential implications of Federal funding and contracts, LTA’s new resource serves as a vital source of information and updates for land trusts.   In …

CCLT is excited to co-sponsor AB 900 (Papan) with The Nature Conservancy. AB 900 requires CNRA to develop strategies to reduce barriers and increase support for science-based management and stewardship of conserved 30×30 lands. Specifically, the legislation would:  If you have not already done so, land trusts can help us with our advocacy on this important issue by signing on …

Redbud Resource Group recently shared its new teaching resource, “A Classroom Guide to Appreciating Cultural Burning & Good Fire,” to share how cultural burning supports healthy landscapes, strong ecosystems, and thriving Indigenous traditions. Review and utilize this new tool to help start a meaningful conversation with the youth and students you work with. Review the Guide

Golden State Land Conservancy has made their presentation about conservation easements and how they work available to our community. This is a perfect introduction to land conservation for anyone interested in spreading the word about this conservation tool. Land Trusts are invited to link this video to their website and share it widely through their networks. The animation was sponsored …

The San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust (Trust) in Fresno, CA is celebrating the growth and expansion of the River Camp Inclusion Program, focusing on providing outdoor recreation opportunities for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DDs). This program enables local youth with I/DDs to participate fully in the organization’s outdoor day-camp alongside typically developing peers, with additional support …

Judge Loren AliKhan from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled in favor of a group of nonprofit organizations in finding that they are likely to succeed in their challenge to the pause on all federal grants, loans, and other federal assistance programs. The judge found that the nonprofits proved that the “funding freeze would be economically …

Help shape California’s Climate Bond Funding! Prop. 4 will invest $10 billion over the next five years to strengthen wildfire resilience, secure safe drinking water, restore natural areas, and implement nature-based solutions. To ensure this funding reaches the people and places that need it most, CNRA wants your input! Take the California Climate Bond: Grant Programs Feedback survey to help …

Your perspective is needed to inform the development of new conservation financing tools and how to make them accessible. In partnership with the Conservation Finance Network and the Land Trust Alliance, LegacyWorks Group is conducting a survey of the conservation community to understand the use of bridge loans and the need for education about them within the community. The survey …

Based on your location, you’re invited to participate in Nonprofit Compensation Associates’ 2025 Compensation & Benefits Survey to help your organization find out how the local nonprofit community is responding to current economic conditions.  The Northern California survey covers 48 counties, from Del Norte County in the far northwest to Inyo County in the far southeast.   The Southern California survey …

CCLT is pleased to be the co-sponsor of AB 900 (Papan) Environmental protection: 30×30 goals: land conservation: science-based management and stewardship, along with our partners at The Nature Conservancy. Stay tuned for ways to engage and learn more about this bill as it moves through the legislative process. Read AB 900 (Papan) – 30×30 Land Stewardship

Calling all storytellers! Submissions for the 2025 Annual CCLT Film Festival are now open! Showcase your creativity and passion for conservation, preservation, and restoration by submitting your short films. All videos must be submitted by Friday, March 14. 

Village and Wilderness recently launched The Microhabitat Program Manual. This manual serves as a practical guide for community-based organizations looking to launch impactful microhabitat programs. The manual addresses key considerations for startups, ranging from defining a program’s purpose and strategies to designing signage, and sourcing native plants. As the first version of a living document, it is designed to evolve …

What challenges or experiences with protecting land in perpetuity have you had that you can share with land trust professionals? Do you have stories about great partnerships, fundraising successes, board matters, or stewardship practices? Submit a proposal to share your invaluable expertise at Rally 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio, September 3-6. Submit a Proposal on the Rally Website

On January 14, President Biden signed proclamations creating the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument in California. These two monuments together conserve 848,000 acres of lands in California and will protect clean water for communities, honor areas of cultural significance to Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples, and enhance access to nature. Read More on the American Presidency Project Website

CCLT is conducting a survey to understand the impact, capacity, needs and conservation potential of California’s land trusts. This survey was sent to land trusts throughout California last month. It is expected to take 10-15 minutes. Data gathered will be used in aggregate by CCLT for a variety of purposes, including advocating on behalf of land trusts for new programs and …

Save the date for CCLT’s next Quarterly Membership Meeting. Join CCLT Members in Good Standing at the meeting on Monday, February 10, from 4PM-5PM. Members were sent the registration link in a separate email yesterday. If you have not receive the link, please get in touch with us at mail@calandtrusts.org. If you are interested in becoming a CCLT Member, you …

Great news! Early Bird Pricing for the 2025 Annual California Land & Water Conservation Conference has been extended through Friday, January 31. Register now and take advantage of the discounted rate! CCLT Members in Good Standing have received a code in a separate email for a 10% discount off full conference registration.  Register for the 2025 CCLT Conference Conference Schedule …

Sacramento, CA – The California Council of Land Trusts (CCLT) will grant nearly $2M in funding to 23 organizations as part of the Project Advancement Grants for projects that advance the goals of the State of California described in Pathways to 30×30 (30×30) and the Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy (NWLCSS). ​​Additionally, CCLT aims to increase the capacity of land trusts and build the diversity …

Sacramento, CA – California Council of Land Trusts (CCLT) announces that Caroline Godkin has been chosen as the new Executive Director of the organization. Ms. Godkin was selected from a competitive pool of applicants from across California and the nation. She has been approved by the Board of Directors and will begin her new role in December 2024. “We are delighted to …

The California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) is seeking applications that restore and enhance habitat throughout the state. Projects that increase connectivity and support justice communities are encouraged.  WCB continues to work through their backlog of applications for acquisitions. If you submitted a pre-application before the application portal closed, expect to hear soon whether you should submit a full application. Once …

By Meghan Hertel, Deputy Secretary, Biodiversity & Habitat “For three days, October 2nd through 4th, 2024, the 30×30 community came together to reaffirm our shared commitment to conserve 30% of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. If we missed you at this year’s Summit, you can watch many of the presentations and conservations at this recording.“ Read the Deputy Secretary’s …