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California's Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhoods and Coastal Protection Act (Proposition 40)

Quality of life in all 58 California counties will get a $2.6 billion boost in protection thanks to Proposition 40, a bond measure approved by California voters in March 2002. Working with a broad coalition of business, labor, environmental, agricultural, civic, safety, health and ethnic organizations, The Nature Conservancy played a key role in shaping this measure and leading the campaign for its passage.

Proposition 40 facts:
The bond act will fund conservation programs to:

  • acquire and protect ecologically sensitive areas and wildlife habitat, including forests and wetlands
  • reduce runoff pollution and restore damaged streams, watersheds, coastal waters, beaches, rivers and lakes
  • protect and develop urban parks, river parkways and streams
  • prevent suburban development on farm and ranch land
  • reduce smog emissions from diesel-fueled equipment used in state and local parks
  • fund urban forestry programs
  • protect historic resources

© Coachella Valley
Coachella Valley
© Harold E. Malde

Ecological Impact: As much as half of the funds authorized will be used to protect areas identified by the Conservancy as high priority areas. The acquisition of new wildlife habitats will add segments to a nationwide web of wildlife corridors. Cleanup of rivers, which often flow through several different ecological regions, will positively affect the health of plant and animal life in a wide geographical region. Protected watersheds will provide cleaner drinking water for people, and protection and restoration of coastal areas will benefit marine life far out to sea.
Sea otter
Sea otter
© Ken K. Ringer

Strategic Importance: Some 57% of California voters supported Proposition 40 despite a state budget deficit, demonstrating that conservation is an important priority. The campaign for Proposition 40 defined California's environmental problems, like population growth, and educated the general public about the need for conservation. The campaign also demonstrated the value of a diverse range of support, and Latino and African American voters were identified as particularly supportive and critical to the campaign's success. The Nature Conservancy was positioned by the campaign as an influential force in the state.

California set a precedent with the passage of Proposition 40 that other states may emulate in the future and the lessons learned may be used globally to enhance public funding and conservation policy. The broad, far-reaching initiatives spawned by the measure affect not only California, but the surrounding ocean and land.

Partners: A large coalition of business, labor, senior environmental, agricultural, and civic organizations including Audubon California, California Chamber of Commerce, Congress of California Seniors, League of Women Voters of California, The Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club, and Waste Management Inc.

Plans: This funding will be used to revitalize and protect places like beaches, rivers, salt marshes, old-growth redwood forests, farms and urban parks. The California legislature will disperse the funds through grants to government agencies and conservation groups.

One place where the Conservancy currently works to protect in California that is a strong candidate to receive funding is the Palo Corona Ranch, gateway to the spectacular Big Sur coastline with its redwood and pine forests, and home to mountain lions, eagles, California red-legged frogs and migratory songbirds. The Nature Conservancy and the Big Sur Land Trust acquired the 10,000-acre Palo Corona Ranch, which connects 13 other ecologically important properties, in May 2002.

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