From our precious parks to awe-inspiring natural landscapes and world class farmland, California boasts some of the world’s best natural resources. And while we have already lost hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland and open space to development, we have an opportunity to change the way that we grow and conserve these precious resources.
Quick Fact:
If we continue with trend development patterns, we will double California’s urban footprint by 2050, consuming more than 5,500 square miles of farmland, open space, and recreation areas. Learn more
SB 375 & Land Conservation: Policy Recommendations
The Nature Conservancy – Comment Letter to Air Resources Board re: SB 375 Targets
Download the comment letter
Reports and Publications
California Agricultural Land Loss and Conservation: Basic Facts
By American Farmland Trust – 2009
Download the pdf
Vision California: Charting Our Future
By Calthorpe Associates – June 2010
This analysis assesses the economic, energy, health, and land impacts of different ways to accommodate California’s expected growth. By measuring the impact of different growth scenarios, the report reinforces the fact that decisions we make now about how and where to build will have long-term consequences.
Download the summary and key findings
Download the full report
For more info, go tovisioncalifornia.org
Paving Paradise: A New Perspective on California Farmland Conversion
By American Farmland Trust – November 2007
Between 1990 and 2004, over a half million acres of California’s farmland were paved over, converted to urban uses. This report contains the latest data and analysis of farmland conversion trends throughout the state of California. It is designed as an interactive information resource that will enable readers to extract data for their own purposes and conduct additional analysis of farmland trends.
Download the report
More info
Contacts and Links for More Info
American Farmland Trust
The Nature Conservancy
Endangered Habitats League
Greenbelt Alliance
Pacific Forest Trust
