Governor Newsom’s 30 by 2030 Initiative In 2020 Governor Gavin Newsom signed an Executive Order to support the global effort to combat the biodiversity and climate crises and declaring the goal to conserve at least 30 percent of California’s land and coastal waters by 2030. California is the first state to join the global commitment of more that 38 countries to protect 30 percent of the earth to expand nature-based solutions and sustainable land management practices to tackle the impact of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy is working together with the Natural Resources agency to implement the Governor’s mandate on a local level. The Conservancy has helped protect more than 75,000 acres of public open space in Southern California, and with its Joint Powers partners, participates in land acquisition projects in an area of approximately 7,000 square miles, spanning five major watersheds within four counties. The Conservancy’s success is based on alliances, partnerships, and an accumulated knowledge of natural resources, local development and conservation constraints. The Conservancy is recognized locally, nationally, and internationally for its leadership and ability to bring together local government, joint powers entities, landowners, State and federal agencies, community-based organizations and nonprofits to secure and to acquire public parkland and protect open space for public use and wildlife habitat surrounding the Southern California metropolitan area. Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve, Ventura County Red Rock Canyon Park, Topanga Whitney Canyon Park, Santa Clarita Ritter Ranch, Antelope Valley