WCN’s California Wildlife Program (CWP) is endorsing California’s Proposition 4 (aka the “Climate Bond”). Prop 4 would enable implementation of a wide variety of climate-related projects, including allocated funds for land and water conservation and “nature-based solutions” such as wildlife crossing infrastructure. While the measure would include substantial funding for protections related to water and wildfire, the bond will also include $180 million for “wildlife corridors” via the California Wildlife Conservation Board. Some of the other budget areas will benefit landscape-scale connectivity conservation (including habitat/open space protection) which align with CWP priorities and contribute to our goal of restoring and connecting fragmented habitat, benefiting pumas and other wildlife in California.
Californians face devastating wildfires, vulnerable drinking water supplies, extreme summer heat, and other major threats from climate change, and Yes on Prop 4 makes urgent investments in proven solutions to protect California’s communities—allocating at least 40% of its funding to underserved and climate-vulnerable communities—and the state’s economy. Major funding categories for Prop 4 include:
- Safe drinking water, drought, flood, and water resilience: $3.8 billion
- Wildfire and forest resilience: $1.5 billion
- Sea level rise and coastal resilience: $1.2 billion
- Protect biodiversity and implement nature-based climate solutions: $1.2 billion
- Clean air programs: $850 million
- Park creation and outdoor access: $700 million
- Climate-smart and sustainable farms, ranches, and working lands: $300 million
- Extreme heat mitigation: $450 million
There has been a strong unification of conservation organizations in support of this measure, including the endorsement and financial contribution from WCN via the CWP. It addresses persistent threats to our iconic landscapes, coast, and wildlife before the damage becomes too costly and unmanageable. Prop 4 is good for Californians and for wildlife, and is an important opportunity to preserve the landscapes that we all share.
Prop 4 is on the California ballot this November, 5th.