Eastern Sierra Land Trust’s Executive Director/CEO Kay Ogden has been appointed to serve on the California Natural Resources Agency’s 30×30 Partnership Coordinating Committee (PCC). The Committee, comprised of 18 environmental leaders from around the state, is tasked with fostering inclusive public communication and statewide coordination to advance California’s 30×30 Initiative – a commitment to conserve thirty percent of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030.

As part of its mandate, the PCC will organize and support the “30×30 Partnership,” an alliance of groups and leaders advancing 30×30 that is open to all. The 30×30 Partnership will meet regularly and will serve as a hub for dialogue, shared learning, coordination, and strategic planning.

In the last month, California endured a power crisis amid a record-setting heat wave, and
braced against strong winds and debris flows as a tropical storm hovered off the southern
coast. As the effects of climate change accelerate, the state’s 30×30 commitments have
moved to the forefront of California’s climate agenda.

Kay Ogden, who has served as Executive Director/CEO of Eastern Sierra Land Trust
since 2013, will represent the vast Sierra region in the PCC. The experienced
conservationist is a participant in the Land Trust Alliance’s Leadership Program, is vice
chair of the California Council of Land Trusts, is a co-founder of the Sierra Consortium,
and is a board member of the Sierra Cascade Land Trust Council. Katie Hawkins,
California Program Manager for the Outdoor Alliance, will represent the Sierra on the
PCC alongside Ogden.

“I am honored to represent the Sierra on the 30×30 Partnership Coordinating Committee.
The 30×30 Initiative is a once in a lifetime opportunity to unite our efforts to combat
climate change through nature-based solutions while increasing equity and access to the
outdoors for all,” said Ogden. “Coordinated efforts and fluid communication from Native
partners, state and federal agencies, and nongovernmental organizations will be the key to
achieving our state’s vital 30×30 commitments.”

“Native nations and conservation organizations across California share a strong
responsibility in protecting our irreplaceable natural resources and wildlife,” said Teri
Red Owl, Executive Director of the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission. “Kay’s
appointment is good news for everyone in the state who values equity, conservation and
collaboration.”

The kick-off meeting of the 30×30 Partnership is on September 28 th , in Sacramento. If
successful, the PCC and 30×30 Partnership will serve as models for coordination across
the country. Since the Biden administration launched the America the Beautiful Initiative
in May of 2021, 30×30 has taken the national stage, with states across the country
urgently seeking ways to meet their own 30×30 commitments.

An early adopter, Governor Newsom committed the state to 30×30 through his Nature
Based Solutions Executive Order N-82-20 in October of 2020. Achieving the Initiative’scommitments will guarantee the protection of millions of additional acres of land and wildlife habitat within the state.

With 22% of the state currently protected, California must protect an additional 8% of its
land and coastal waters by 2030 to meet its conservation commitment. “These
commitments are crucial to our future. Healthier lands and oceans absorb more carbon,
helping to stave off the worst impacts of climate change. Well-managed ecosystems
protect water sources and reduce the risk of climate-fueled disasters like wildfires and
flooding,” said Ogden.

Meeting the state’s 30×30 commitments goes beyond protecting land and coastal waters.
A foundational principle of the 30×30 Initiative is to improve equitable access to nature
for all. “As Californians who treasure the state’s special places, it is up to all of us to
ensure everyone–including low-income families and communities of color, who have
been historically left out of environmental decision-making and face inequitable access to
nature and its benefits–is able to experience the joy of being around thriving natural
spaces close to home. The Partnership Coordinating Committee has an incredible
opportunity to improve equity and bring all voices to the table,” shared Ogden.
The 30×30 Partnership kickoff meeting is on September 28 th in Sacramento. Registration
for in-person or virtual attendance is open at, www.californianature.ca.gov