September 9, 2025 - The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) announced the release of its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan that will guide the Board’s conservation and public access investments over the next five years. The updated plan builds on WCB’s 2014 Strategic Plan and reflects California’s current conservation priorities, including Pathways to 30x30, Outdoors for All and the Nature-Based Solutions Climate Targets. It emphasizes collaboration with Tribes, community partners and agencies to protect biodiversity, advance climate resilience, expand equitable access to nature and improve organizational effectiveness.
“California’s natural landscapes are changing rapidly, and WCB’s role is more important than ever,” said Jennifer Norris, executive director of WCB. “This plan will help us meet the biodiversity and climate challenges of our time while ensuring all Californians — including future generations — can connect with the state’s incredible natural heritage.”
To shape the plan, WCB hosted public listening sessions across the state in fall 2024, conducted an online survey and held multiple Tribal listening sessions. Input from communities, Tribes and partners directly informed the final framework.
“This Strategic Plan reflects the collective wisdom of communities, Tribes and partners across the state,” added Charlton H. Bonham, chair of WCB and director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. “It reaffirms WCB’s commitment to collaboration, science-driven decision making and delivering meaningful benefits for people and wildlife.”
Established in 1947, the Wildlife Conservation Board protects, restores and enhances California’s spectacular natural resources for wildlife and the public’s use and enjoyment. WCB works in partnership with Tribes, conservation groups, government agencies and the people of California to safeguard biodiversity and expand access to nature.
The 2025–2030 Strategic Plan is available at https://wcb.ca.gov/About/Strategic-Plan