Over the past six years, Outdoor Alliance California has worked closely with the California Natural Resources Agency, the Newsom Administration, and partners across the state to advance conservation through initiatives like CA 30x30 and Outdoors for All,. This work is grounded in the understanding that California’s public lands and waters are both vulnerable and vital in the face of a changing climate.

Attendees share their close-to-home recreation spots

From catastrophic wildfires and prolonged droughts to sea level rise and extreme heat, climate change is already reshaping how Californians experience the outdoors. For the outdoor recreation community, these challenges underscore the urgency of nature-based climate solutions and equitable access to public lands and waters. That’s why Outdoor Alliance California has been proud to support the state’s 30x30 and Outdoors for All initiatives through public comment, regional working groups, and service on the 30x30 Partnership Coordinating Committee advising Secretary Wade Crowfoot.

Earlier this spring, Outdoor Alliance California helped bring together more than 45 leaders in the Bay Area, including representatives from the California Natural Resources Agency, Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s office, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks’ office, REI Co-op, American Whitewater, California Mountain Biking Coalition (CAMTB), CalWild, Conservation Lands Foundation, Latino Outdoors, and other grassroots organizations. With support from REI Co-op and East Bay Regional Park District, the convening created space for community-building and a robust dialogue with agency leadership.

The focus of the discussion was on the implementation of the $10 billion climate resilience bond, approved by California voters in November 2024. The bond includes significant funding for climate mitigation, proactive forest and watershed management, habitat connectivity, and—critically—expanded access to outdoor recreation, especially in communities that have historically been left out.

California Program Director Katie Hawkins addresses California’s outdoor leaders

“A priority of REI Co-op is to continue to collaborate with the outdoor industry, community groups, and the California Natural Resources Agency to take action on climate change, protect California’s amazing natural diversity, and make the outdoors more welcoming and accessible for everyone,” said Haley Caruso, Local Marketing Manager at REI Co-op. “We love to convene the outdoor community and hear the diverse perspectives from across the state, and we couldn’t do it without our partners at Outdoor Alliance.”

“Thank you to Outdoor Alliance and REI Co-op for their unwavering commitment to California’s Outdoors for All and 30x30 initiatives,” said Gloria Sandoval, Deputy Secretary of Access at the California Natural Resources Agency. “It is through these important partnerships that together we can build healthier communities and a resilient planet.”

Outdoor Alliance California, led by our California Program Director Katie Hawkins, is especially grateful to Deputy Secretary of Habitat and Biodiversity Meghan Hertel, Deputy Secretary of Access Gloria Sandoval, and Assistant Deputy Secretary of Habitat and Biodiversity Madeline Drake for taking the time to meet directly with recreation leaders in the Bay Area. These kinds of conversations are vital to building trust, transparency, and shared momentum for what’s ahead.

At the heart of this work is a simple truth: California’s public lands are part of what connects us—to nature, to one another, and to the future. We’re proud to keep working alongside partners, agencies, and community leaders to protect these places and make sure they remain accessible and resilient for generations to come.

P.S If you want to keep in touch and learn more on how you can join us to help protect important places in California, sign up below:

Partnering for California’s Outdoors: A Bay Area Gathering to Advance 30x30 and Climate Action