The Biden Administration released a report on the state of the environment and strategies to combat climate change, including the 30×30 initiative.
GOLDEN, CO (May 6, 2021) — Today, the Biden Administration released ‘Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful’, a report which details the state of the environment, including information on the climate crisis and the progress being made to conserve 30% of America’s land and waters by 2030 (also known as ‘30×30’). CDTC applauds the public release of the report and the leadership the Biden Administration has demonstrated during his time in office, and we look forward to working with the administration, our partners, and our communities to achieve these ambitious goals.
According to scientists, protecting 30% of lands and waters is necessary to preserve the environment and mitigate the worst impacts of the climate crisis. This goal will strengthen biodiversity, improve forest health, and improve the quality of air, water, and land for all Americans. The nationwide effort will rely on local experts, from state capitols to city halls to Tribal leaders, and from farmers, ranchers, and fishers to conservationists, recreationists, hunters, anglers, and other enthusiasts who use and love our public lands and ocean.
“All along the Continental Divide Trail during the pandemic this year, we have seen families and outdoor enthusiasts turn to the healing powers of the outdoors and our inspiring lands and waters as a safe haven. The incredible popularity of these places is a reminder that protections for these cherished areas are in investment in our communities, our citizens, the outdoor recreation economy, and the future,” says Teresa Martinez, Executive Director of Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC). “And it is essential as we consider solutions to the climate crisis, that those in leadership listen to the voices of Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color who lead these efforts to ensure just, equitable enjoyment of all the benefits of these greenspaces. This climate initiative is an opportunity to protect not only our natural resources, but also ourselves, as we conserve clean water, air, and land for future generations.”
The principles detailed in the report provide a vision for climate solutions that engage stakeholders at every level, from farmers, fishers, and ranchers, to Tribal nations, local officials, and conservation organizations. The strategy envisioned in this report recognizes the complex, sometimes painful history of American public lands, and calls for a renewed national commitment to community-led solutions to recognize the voices of all citizens, address the climate crisis, and strengthen the U.S. economy.
“CDTC Gateway Communities depend on land and water protections to attract business and fuel the burgeoning outdoor recreation industry which many residents depend on, and which is greatly diminished when our lands and waters aren’t protected,” says Andrea Kurth, Gateway community Program Manager for CDTC. “Our rural and mountain communities often bear the brunt of natural disasters like wildfires and flooding, as we saw in the CDT Gateway Community of Grand Lake just last year. Protections under the 30×30 initiative would improve the quality of life for Coloradans that depend on a healthy environment for their land, water, food, and livelihood. This report from the Biden Administration is an exciting step toward investing in protections for communities all along the Continental Divide which will help to ensure these lands and waters can be enjoyed by all for generations to come.”
Recommendations in the report seek to advance conservation and restoration efforts already being undertaken across the nation in order to reinforce and leverage the work already happening on the ground. These recommendations include the creation of parks and greenspace-based opportunities in nature-deprived communities, the support of tribal-led conservation and restoration priorities, and an increase in access for outdoor recreation.
“The people, lands, waters, and wildlife all along the Continental Divide will benefit from the strategy envisioned in this report from the Biden administration, and CDTC is eager to make the goals of this plan a reality,” says Luke Fisher, Policy Manager for CDTC. “Any solutions to the climate crisis must begin by engaging with the communities and the people that face the most impact from environmental degradation, and that means engaging with Indigenous, Black, Latinx, and other communities of color every step of the way. I am hopeful that the recommendations in this plan will help to create more opportunities for all people to enjoy places like the Continental Divide Trail, which provide not only great vistas and fun, but moments for learning, healing, and celebration as well.”
This initial report, ‘Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful’, is only the first step outlined in Executive Order 14008, released by President Biden earlier this year. The Secretary of the Interior is also tasked with providing annual updates on 30×30 efforts to the National Climate Task Force. Additionally, an ‘America the Beautiful’ report will be published annually to demonstrate progress on areas of collaboration, access land-cover changes, and review the vitality of habitat for wildlife and fish.
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About the Continental Divide Trail
The CDT is one of the world’s premiere long-distance trails, stretching 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada along the Continental Divide. Designated by Congress in 1978, the CDT is the highest, most challenging and most remote of the 11 National Scenic Trails. It provides recreational opportunities ranging from hiking to horseback riding to hunting for thousands of visitors each year. While 95% of the CDT is located on public land, approximately 150 miles are still in need of protection.
About the Continental Divide Trail Coalition
The CDTC was founded in 2012 by volunteers and recreationists hoping to provide a unified voice for the Trail. Working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Forest Service and other federal land management agencies, the CDTC is a non-profit partner supporting stewardship of the CDT. The mission of the CDTC is to complete, promote and protect the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, a world-class national resource. For more information, please visit continentaldividetrail.org.
