Advocate - California Council of Land Trusts

Policy and Advocacy. CCLT advances a pro-active public policy agenda to ensure strong laws and policies for conserving land and supporting land trust operations.

CCLT's robust program for policy advocacy and governmental relations addresses a variety of topics, activities and legislation that impact land trusts and the conservation of land and water. In service to our members and partners, CCLT monitors issues, performs legal/bill analysis, develops solutions, provides information and takes action as appropriate in administrative, legislative and legal arenas.

CCLT’s Statement of Policy Principles and Goals is an articulation of the policies, goals and evaluation criteria that guide our decision-making process about those items to which we may devote resources. It also serves to inform our members, associates and partners.

Advocacy Priority Areas/Topics

Support state policy and funding for continued and/or increased land conservation
Oppose legislation or state policy that threatens land conservation and/or promotes land conversion
Oppose legislation that would undermine the validity of conservation easements.
Monitor and engage in the development of state funding programs that achieve land conservation through the Governor’s Executive Order on 30x30, the state’s Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy, and other state initiatives as applicable
Develop policies to strengthen and protect the role of land trusts in state conservation work
Monitor legislation and regulations related to urban environments interfacing with wildlife protection and conservation
Educate Legislators, Administrative officials, and other decision makers about the importance of conservation and the role of land trusts

Advocate for state funding for programs that support restoration activities, both planning and implementation
Monitor and support legislative efforts to reform or create efficiencies in permitting processes for watershed restoration and habitat programs at the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Water Resources, and others
Support legislation and regulations that maximize the role of natural and working lands in sequestering greenhouse gas emissions.
Monitor wildfire and forest health policies and programs
Monitor policies for climate resilience, adaptation and carbon sequestration
Monitor efforts that would restrict or expand the ability of volunteers to engage in activities, such as requirements for prevailing wage.

Support policies and funding that enable under-resourced communities and tribes to lead and participate in the development of policies, programs, and projects that achieve the goals of 30x30 and the Climate Smart Strategy.
Support funding that increases access to trails and open spaces for underrepresented communities.
Identify opportunities for funding of environmental education initiatives that assist with teaching students and communities about the value of open space