Latest News

March 18, 2026 | Thank you to everyone that submitted videos to the Film Fest! You can find the winning videos on CCLT’s social media platforms as well as on our YouTube Channel. Congratulations to the winners! Most Popular Video winner: American River Conservancy Most Inspirational Video winner: Peninsula Open Space Trust Most Entertaining Video winner: Placer Land Trust For more information about …

Most Prop 4–funded programs have been on hold due to compliance requirements under the Administrative Procedures Act (APA). CCLT has been working with the Legislature to advance legislation that would exempt Prop 4 from the APA, allowing these programs to move forward.  AB 107, an early action budget bill, was signed by the Governor on February 19 and takes effect immediately. The bill exempts programs …

The Tudesko Ranch Preserve is the latest working lands project of the Sacramento Valley Conservancy (SVC), which aims to protect 885 acres of blue oak woodland, savannah, and riparian habitat on the eastern edge of Sacramento County’s urban area. The preserve includes sections of Deer and Carson Creeks, along with extensive associated riparian habitat, in an area threatened by development, …

The IRS published revised Form 8283 dated December 2025. Donors should use this version of the Form 8283. Using an old form may trigger an IRS challenge. The instructions to Form 8283 have not been revised and no substantive changes to the actual form were made. 

The Department of Conservation’s (DOC) Regional Forest and Fire Capacity (RFFC) Program is receiving $185,000,000 from the 2024 California Climate Bond. DOC is conducting a survey intended for California’s broad-based wildfire and landscape resilience network to hear what wildfire resilience activities are most important in your region and what ongoing capacity needs exist. The survey should take a few minutes to complete, and responses will inform DOC’s program development.    Take the Survey >> 

The CPAD/CCED data team has released the 2025b updated fee and easement data, which cover submissions and improvements from June to December 2025. CPAD Update CCED Update Overlap Reporting Ready to submit GAP codes for land your group manages?  Still struggling to assign GAP codes? 

We are delighted to welcome Jessica Matthews to the California Council of Land Trusts (CCLT) Team as the new Grants Program Manager! Jessica brings deep expertise at the intersection of natural and working lands, conservation finance, and grant strategy, with a proven track record supporting land protection and stewardship across Northern California. She joins CCLT from the Siskiyou Land Trust, …

Attract and Retain the Best Employees for your Organization in 2026 and Beyond  California’s nonprofit sector, which employs around 10% of the state’s workforce and provides vital services to communities throughout the state, is impacted by continuing inflation, uncertainty around funding sources, concern about softening economic conditions, and shifting federal government policies. In this environment, the 2026 survey report will provide information not available anywhere else …

Professional Development for Directors and Managers  While the Land Trust Alliance has several leadership development opportunities available for land trust executive directors, we recognize the need for “leading from within,” as well. This new program has been designed to meet the needs of land trust staff working in other management roles. This training is aimed at mid-career professionals who oversee …

The Elkhorn Slough Foundation announced that Mark Silberstein will be transitioning from his role as Executive Director after four decades of dedicated leadership. Mr. Silberstein will continue as an advisor focused on special projects associated with the recently completed Elkhorn Forever campaign.  Read the full announcement >>

The California Coastal Conservancy awarded a $800,750 grant to Sanctuary Forest, Inc. to acquire the Ta’che—Nóó-nih Yaash Property in Whitethorn (Humboldt County) and transfer it to the InterTribal Sinkyone Wilderness Council, a nonprofit organization of 10 local tribes.  Read the full press release >>

The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) approved a $5.5 million grant to the Wášiw-šiw Land Trust to support the purchase of 10,274 acres at Loyalton Ranch. The Loyalton Ranch acquisition is the culmination of a four-year collaboration between the Tribe, the Northern Sierra Partnership, and the Feather River Land Trust.  Read more >>

The California Council of Land Trusts’ Carbon Working Group meets quarterly for 1/2 hour to share resources, identify conservation and educational opportunities in the carbon realm, and address various issues at the intersection of carbon and conservation easements.   These quarterly calls are slated for 11 AM on the second Wednesdays of February, May, August, and November.   If your land trust is dealing …

Recent public rumblings from the current federal administration have caused the Land Trust Alliance to increase risk monitoring regarding the potential for IRS audits of tax-exempt organizations. The administration has repeatedly stated that it will be applying additional scrutiny to tax-exempt organizations for compliance with all details of federal law and regulations. While the concern about an audit may be …

The new Vulnerable Communities Platform is designed to help community organizations, local governments, state agencies, researchers, and concerned residents understand where different climate hazards will be most severe, which communities are most vulnerable, and what makes them vulnerable so they can make informed adaptation planning, policy, and investment decisions. Supporting vulnerable communities and addressing climate mitigation and resilience are core …

In honor of Hispanic Heritage month (September 15 – October 15), the Hispanic Access Foundation released a toolkit to equip Latino leaders, faith communities, and advocates with tools to raise their voices for the protection of the public lands across the state. Download the Public Lands Toolkit here and share it with your communities to uplift and support the movement.  …

Survey Link: https://bit.ly/_nature-based_solutions  Why This Matters – Your feedback will 1) help identify workforce challenges and gaps in training or recruitment; 2) provide insights into hard-to-fill occupations, hiring pipelines, and informal labor practices; and 3) shape regional training, policy strategies, and investments needed to meet California’s climate and economic goals.  Who Should Participate – We are seeking input from employers, contractors, program managers, and …

Conserving rare desert wetlands and ensuring Tribal access. Adobe Valley, CA — [November 10, 2025] — Eastern Sierra Land Trust (ESLT) has permanently protected Antelope Lake, a 205-acre property in Adobe Valley, Mono County, safeguarding essential wetland and sagebrush habitats and honoring generations of Northern Paiute cultural connection.  This conservation easement ensures the permanent protection of rare alkali meadows, wetlands, …

As your program grows in size and scope, data management challenges arise. The incompatible patchwork of digital tools creeps in and information gets siloed across employees, partners and stakeholders.  Natural Resource Data Solutions’ (NRDS) web and mobile software platform enables land stewards to measure, map, and share their impact in a cost effective and easy way. For example, your team …

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HAF anticipates the USDA will announce a new round of the CWDG soon with a quick application turnaround. Whether your organization is interested or planning to apply, or looking for the right partners, HAF is here to help connect the dots and strengthen collaboration.  Learn More >>  Share your Thoughts with Hispanic Access Foundation >>

PIN is a coalition of community-based organizations, non-profits, Tribal Nations, environmental justice groups, land trusts, and more collaboratively working to meet the three tenants of 30×30, including protecting biodiversity, building climate resilience, and creating equitable access. Most regions meet monthly and provide relevant and timely information, offer guest speakers, and more!   Sign up >>  Learn More >> 

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In November 2024, California voters approved a $10 billion General Obligation Bond called the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024. It is also commonly known as the “Climate Bond.” This bond allocates $10 billion across state agencies to confront climate change, protect California communities and nature from its impacts, and improve the …