On April 23, statewide CNPS Conservation Program Director Nick Jensen came to the East Bay as part of our chapter’s monthly speaker program to provide an update on recent conservation successes, challenges, and new initiatives.
CNPS staff and members statewide have worked hard and achieved a growing number of conservation wins, ranging from project modifications to favorable rulings in lawsuits to increased protections for public lands. One of the most spectacular recent successes in our part of the state is the protection of Molok Luyuk, a botanically rich ridge in Lake and Colusa counties, as an expansion of Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.
In his presentation, Nick also provided an overview of the federal regulatory changes and executive actions that threaten to reshape management and protection of public lands and biodiversity nationwide. He introduced two new CNPS initiatives, the Conservation Advocacy Toolkit and Advocacy Corps, which provide opportunities for members to strengthen their advocacy skills, and he outlined actions each of us can take toward conserving California’s flora and habitats.
The information and guidance Nick provided in his talk is included in his presentation slides, with links to additional information. Nick has generously made his slides available to us, and you can view them with this link.
—Sue Rosenthal, Programs Committee, CNPS East Bay Chapter
May 2025
