Landlocked: Unmasking the Dark Side of America the Beautiful Not a Road We Want to Go Down

The 30 by 30 initiative is a worldwide initiative for governments to designate 30% of Earth's land and ocean area as protected areas by 2030.  Launched by the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People in 2020, more than 100 nations have agreed to the initiative. The 30 by 30 initiative, also known as the "America the Beautiful" plan, was proposed by President Joe Biden in January 2021.  California governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order declaring it "the goal of the State to conserve at least 30 percent of California’s land and coastal waters by 2030."  The official report, Pathways to 30x30 California, was issued by the California Natural Resources Agency on 22 April 2022.  The report outlines ten pathways, or strategies, to achieving California's biodiversity and protected area goals by 2030. While its stated goal of conserving and protecting 30% of America's land and waters may sound noble, it fails to consider the potential consequences for specific industries and recreational activities.   While its stated goal of conserving and protecting 30% of California's land and waters may sound noble, it overlooks the potential negative impacts on various stakeholders and fails to consider the economic consequences for the State's residents.

Firstly, the plan's emphasis on land and water conservation neglects the needs and aspirations of local communities and landowners. It could result in increased government control and restrictions on land use, hindering private property rights and limiting economic opportunities for farmers, ranchers, and other land-dependent industries. This top-down approach undermines the principles of individual liberty and limited government intervention.  Furthermore, the plan fails to address the existing conservation efforts and accomplishments already in place. Many private landowners, nonprofits, and state and local governments have been successfully conserving and managing natural resources without the need for heavy-handed federal intervention. The 30 by 30 initiative risks duplicating or undermining these existing conservation efforts, wasting valuable resources and creating bureaucratic red tape.

Additionally, the plan's arbitrary target of 30% conservation without a clear scientific basis raises concerns. Setting such a strict percentage goal may lead to rushed decisions and inadequate consideration of regional variations and unique ecosystems. Conservation strategies should be based on sound science and tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of each area, rather than adhering to an arbitrary national target.  The economic implications of the 30 by 30 initiative cannot be ignored. By restricting land use and potentially displacing industries that rely on natural resources, the plan could lead to job losses, decreased economic growth, and increased dependency on government assistance. The negative impact on local economies and communities must be thoroughly assessed before implementing such a sweeping conservation plan. is a flawed and misguided plan that threatens to disrupt various land uses and negatively impact local businesses and communities. While its stated goal of conserving and protecting 30% of America's land and waters may sound noble, it fails to consider the potential consequences for specific industries and recreational activities.

Another cause for concern is the impact on recreational land uses. Off-roading enthusiasts, who enjoy exploring off-road trails and participating in motorsports, may face restrictions and closures of certain areas under the 30 by 30 plan. This could limit their access to recreational opportunities and hinder the thriving off-roading community that supports businesses such as equipment manufacturers, tour operators, and local retailers. Camping and outdoor recreation businesses could also be adversely affected. Restrictions on land use and access may limit camping areas, RV parks, and outdoor adventure outfitters, leading to reduced tourism and economic activity in these areas. Many small businesses rely on outdoor tourism and recreation for their livelihoods, and the 30 by 30 initiative could jeopardize their viability.

There are also major concerns about its potential negative impact on property values and the local real estate markets. One worry is that properties located within designated conservation areas may lose value as development potential gets restricted. Additionally, increased government control and regulations may deter investment and development in affected regions, leading to a slowdown in the real estate market. The plan may also disrupt land sales and transactions due to bureaucratic processes, potentially leading to a reduction in property transactions. Moreover, the initiative could worsen housing affordability challenges in certain regions, making it harder for people to find affordable housing options. To strike a balance, it is essential to carefully assess the potential consequences and consider alternative approaches that protect both conservation goals and the interests of property owners and the local economy.

Ranching and livestock operations, which play a vital role in rural economies and food production, may also suffer under the plan. The conservation goals could lead to reduced grazing permits, increased regulations, and land use restrictions that make it harder for ranchers to sustain their operations. This could result in job losses, decreased agricultural productivity, and a negative ripple effect on related industries such as meat processing and feed suppliers.

Other industries tied to natural resource extraction, such as logging, mining, and energy development, could face similar challenges. The 30 by 30 initiative may limit access to these resources, leading to job losses, decreased economic growth, and higher energy costs for consumers.

In summary, the 30 by 30 initiative overlooks the specific impacts on industries and recreational activities such as off-roading, camping, ranching, logging, mining, and energy development. The restrictions and land use limitations proposed under the plan threaten the livelihoods of those who rely on these industries, leading to job losses, reduced economic activity, and increased dependency on government assistance. A more balanced approach that considers the needs of local communities, respects individual rights, and acknowledges the economic contributions of various industries would be a wiser course of action.

There is a lot that we can do to stop 30x30 in its tracks… to put an end to the government takeover of our public lands.

• First, increase your knowledge base about 30x30. If you feel informed on the topic, you’re more likely to discuss it with your friends, and family. Two excellent sources are:

• American Stewards of Liberty provides a ton of information on 30x30 that is easy to access in articles and videos.

• The Heritage Foundation illuminates the truth about the massive lack of real science and data to support the 30x30 agenda.

• Join the Cal4Wheel Access & Stewardship Committee – we meet monthly to discuss current issues impacting OHV recreation on public lands, and ways to get involved in efforts to preserve public land access.

Download the American Stewards of Liberty “Guide to Fight 30x30” – and consider contacting your local county and city leaders to ask how 30x30 is being implemented in your area, and introduce the resolution to protect your county and city from 30x30 policies.