Local elected officials, business and community leaders, veterans, students, and more support protecting California public lands and rivers
2020 has seen an outpouring of support for protecting public lands and rivers in the Los Angeles, Central Coast, and Northwest California regions. Hear from some of the many advocates for passing California public lands and rivers legislation below. This post will be updated throughout the month.
Hilda L. Solis
Los Angeles County Supervisor
Excerpt from “One answer to the lack of equitable access to park space across California” in CalMatters:
“According to a recent Hispanic Access Foundation report, 55% of Latinos in California lack access to open space, compared to 36% of white residents. Increasing access to park space must be a public health priority.
The neighborhoods that I represent in eastern Los Angeles County lie within the shadow of the San Gabriel Mountains, whose iconic ridges are the backdrop of the Los Angeles skyline. It’s a space with abundant hiking opportunities and diverse wildlife, offering a local getaway from the stresses of daily urban life. In fact, the San Gabriel Mountains provide Angelenos with 70% of their available open space.
…We promote public health when we collectively advocate for more green spaces for all.”
Daniela Cervantes
Wilderness Instructor with Ventana Wilderness Alliance and student at UC Berkeley
Excerpt from “The Importance of Access to Public Lands” in Edhat Santa Barbara:
“It’s no secret that spending time outdoors offers incredible benefits, including stress reduction and improved mental health. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to easily access the benefits of nature. That’s why we must increase protections to our public lands and rivers, and reduce barriers to access for communities of color in California. All young people deserve the chance to view the Pacific Ocean from thousands of feet above, to spot a rare California Condor flying above the treetops, or to gaze at a night sky free of light pollution—no matter where we live.
…I urge California’s Congressional champions to continue advocating for areas within the Los Padres, and for other public lands and rivers throughout our state, to get the protections they deserve this year. Let’s provide more opportunities for young people to spend time outdoors. Every young person in California should be able to experience nature so that we’re inspired to protect it into the future.”
Alison Huyett
Environmental Campaigns and Engagement Manager, Patagonia
Excerpt from “POWER TO SPEAK | Support the PUBLIC Lands Act” in the Ventura County Reporter:
“As an avid runner and mountain biker, I can’t believe how lucky I am to live in Ventura. In less than 30 minutes, I can drive from my house to Los Padres National Forest and the Topa Topa Mountains and access beautiful trails and breathtaking views. On my morning runs I’ve spotted many different kinds of wildlife (including a bobcat!), and I’m grateful we can all experience wilderness and protected wildlife habitat so close to town.
The coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing wildfire crisis here in the Los Padres and throughout the state remind me, and so many of us, of how much we rely on our public lands and rivers — and the importance of protecting them into the future.”
Jonathan Parfrey
Executive Director, Climate Resolve
Excerpt from “Fight climate change, preserve nature in one stroke” in Capitol Weekly:
“California’s forests are essential to the resilience of everybody in the state. Forests clear our air from pollution, capture and filter the water before it arrives in our sinks, prevent flooding, and supply recreational opportunities ranging from water-skiing to contemplative hikes. You can’t have healthy and secure communities without first having healthy forests.
…California’s nature is special. Our state is a global hot spot for conservation because of its remarkable diversity of plants and wildlife. We have the highest number of native plant species of any U.S. state, many of which are only found here in California. We also face significant threats to habitat loss, which impact wildlife species unique to California. The new designations included in the bill will allow for refugia to take place, for native species to persevere even when they flee to a higher latitude and elevation. Studies have found that the existing protected areas are not adequate to protect the state’s vulnerable biodiversity. Simply, we need more protected land to help California species endure.”
Maite Arce
President and CEO, Hispanic Access Foundation
Excerpt from “Protecting our public lands is a national health issue” in Roll Call:
“However, according to a recent report from the Hispanic Access Foundation, 67 percent of Latinos in the U.S. live in “nature deprived” areas, or areas with limited access to the outdoors. Further, Latinos are more likely to be diagnosed with obesity, asthma, diabetes and heart disease. In California, for example, where environmental hazards like pollution are one of the leading causes of asthma, Latinos make up nearly 40 percent of the population.
In order to improve health for Latino communities, we must recognize the ways in which our health outcomes are linked to a lack of access to the outdoors. This is especially apparent amidst the pandemic, when a neighborhood walk is one of the only ways we can safely get outside. By protecting our public lands and rivers, we can reduce health disparities for Latinos and improve access to parks for all.”
Alexis DeHorta
Student, Pioneer Valley High School
Excerpt from “Getting into nature presents huge benefits that need to be kept safe now and for future generations” in the Santa Maria Sun:
“As a high school student, the pandemic has turned my life and the lives of my peers upside down. With school closures, navigating distance learning, and uncertainty looming in our futures, this has been an incredibly difficult time. And yet, there is a source of comfort I have continually turned to during these past few months—spending time in nature and on our public lands.
…These experiences helped me see firsthand the importance of ongoing protections for our public lands and rivers. After spending time in nature, I felt rejuvenated, and I could focus more clearly in school. Having access to the outdoors has helped me alleviate stress, particularly during a national emergency. Young people need more opportunities to spend time in nature—right now and into the future.”
California veterans share their stories here: protectcapubliclands.org/news/veterans
Michelle Stevens
Founder & CEO of The Refill Shoppe
Excerpt from “Passing the Protecting America’s Wilderness Act helps preserve nature” in the Ventura County Star:
“Adding more safeguards for our public lands and rivers would support economic recovery statewide. When beautiful places to recreate are accessible close to town, this attracts residents and visitors and benefits our economy. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, prior to the pandemic California’s outdoor recreation economy generated 691,000 jobs and $92 billion in consumer spending each year.
…Locals understand the importance of enjoying nature and working to preserve it for others. My customers tell me stories about their recent trips in the Los Padres and volunteer beach clean-up events they’ve attended. We value our public lands and rivers in part because they’re right in our backyard, and we want public lands and rivers throughout the region to remain protected and wild.”