The Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (DRECP) is a landmark effort to conserve the iconic California desert and focus renewable energy development in suitable areas—a consensus plan with overwhelming support. As the country strives toward the 30×30 goal, the DRECP can serve as a case study of successful multiple-use planning to combat both the climate and nature crises. This report is part of our larger “Road to 30” interactive storymap series.
Private land conservation is key to reaching the goal of protecting 30% of America by 2030 and solving the climate and nature crises. But in order to expand private land conservation, we need to refine and improve how we invest in it, from conservation easements and data to community-oriented conservation efforts and partnerships. This report is part of our larger “Road to 30” interactive storymap series.
Wildlife corridors are the routes along which wildlife move through their habitats—whether those paths are local or regional. As we work to protect 30% of America by 2030, it is key that ecological connectivity is preserved and centered in the effort. Conserving wildlife corridors is one way to do that. This report is part of our larger “Road to 30” interactive storymap series.
Conserving more land and water directly benefits hunters and anglers. The goal of protecting 30% of America by 2030 can improve recreation access and protect fish and wildlife, eliminating barriers and challenges faced by sportsmen and women that impact their ability to hunt and fish on public and private lands. This report is part of our larger “Road to 30” interactive storymap series.
Urban natural areas are key to ensuring that everyone has access to nature. At the same time, these spaces can provide important habitat for wildlife, supporting entire ecosystems and enabling them to coexist alongside us. Urban conservation must be part of the effort to protect 30% of America by 2030. This report is part of our larger “Road to 30” interactive storymap series.
The Center for Western Priorities’ Road to 30 interactive digital report explores some — but certainly not all — of the methods of land conservation that will be integral to achieving the goal of protecting 30 percent of America’s lands and waters by 2030. Along the way we explore some of the places that have already been protected, celebrating past conservation efforts and considering how to move forward to protect our lands, waters, wildlife, and the communities that rely on them.
In 2020, Trump’s Interior Department was set to offer up nearly 400,000 acres of leases before the end of the year in what was its last major land giveaway to oil and gas companies. In the midst of a pandemic and economic crash is not the time to risk tourism and recreation economies, or access to public lands and open spaces that Westerners value. Public land that contains sensitive habitat or is located near iconic national parks and protected areas has no place in Interior Department lease sales.
The Wilderness Society and the Center for Western Priorities conducted a first-of-its-kind geospatial analysis to shine a light on the outdated leasing process. Using a newly developed tool, the analysis mapped all federal oil and gas leases, identifying instances where public lands leases were sold for bargain prices. Check out the interactive digital report.
According to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument contains 193 oil and gas wells and drilling sites. Many of these wells have been “abandoned” or “shut-in” and not properly reclaimed. As a result, the monument is littered with decaying oil and gas equipment that companies have failed to clean up.