BREAKING NEWS: The East Bay Regional Park District is celebrating a monumental win for conservation as Gov. Gavin Newsom has just signed Senate Bill 392 into law, a landmark legislation that will significantly enhance climate resilience and conservation efforts across the East Bay. This urgent announcement underscores a critical response to the escalating threats posed by extreme weather and wildfires in the region.
Senate Bill 392, authored by State Sen. Tim Grayson from Concord, received unanimous support from the state Legislature. The new law establishes the East Bay Hills Conservation Program, empowering the EBRPD to better safeguard the ecological integrity of the East Bay hills, which encompass more than 30,000 acres from Wildcat Canyon Regional Park to Lake Chabot Regional Park.
The program not only aims to protect vital wildlife corridors but also to enhance public access to natural areas and promote sustainable recreation. “This is a critical moment for regional parks and open space in California,” stated Sabrina Landreth, General Manager of EBRPD. “SB 392 will help preserve the East Bay hills’ incredible biodiversity, protect important wildlife corridors, and ensure equitable access for future generations.”
With increasing pressure from extreme weather, the East Bay hills serve as essential habitat for numerous species and act as a vital link in the ecological fabric of California. The program will formalize conservation efforts and strengthen long-term resilience against wildfires, providing a robust framework for future generations.
Sen. Grayson emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The East Bay hills are a regional treasure and a key part of California’s ecological fabric. This new conservation program will help protect these lands by preserving their biodiversity and making them more resilient in the face of a changing climate.”
This legislation arrives at a time when communities are increasingly aware of the need for proactive measures to combat climate change. The East Bay Hills Conservation Program marks a significant step forward in California’s statewide conservation strategy, enhancing both natural habitats and public enjoyment of these essential areas.
As residents and environmentalists alike look ahead, the focus will now shift to the implementation of SB 392 and the tangible benefits it promises to deliver. Stay tuned for updates on how this new law will impact the East Bay region and its communities.
