** New Mexico governor signs order to protect 30% of the state's lands by 2030
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Thursday, August 26, 2021
Navajo Lake State Park, New Mexico | N ([link removed]) ew Mexico EMNRD ([link removed])

Yesterday, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order to protect at least 30% of the state's lands by 2030 ([link removed]) (the 30x30 goal). The new order directs state agencies to support and implement programs to conserve and protect New Mexico's lands ([link removed]) and natural environments. 80% ([link removed]) of New Mexicans support the 30x30 goal, and Grisham's order was applauded by a broad coalition of support ([link removed]) .

“Today we promote a broad view of conservation that reflects the importance of traditional resource protection, access for outdoor recreation, contributions of working lands, and tribal sovereignty and self-determination,” Lujan Grisham said ([link removed]) . “We have set the wheels in motion to conserve our state’s incredible natural resources and ensure that New Mexico remains, forever, the Land of Enchantment.”

The executive order complements a nationwide effort by the Biden administration ([link removed]) to conserve America the Beautiful in alignment with calls from the scientific community to enhance conservation efforts. New Mexico follows in the footsteps of California, where Governor Newsom signed a 30x30 executive order last year, and Nevada, which adopted a 30x30 resolution earlier this year.

“Scientists say we must protect 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030 in order to preserve the wildlife, wild places, and way of life we cherish in New Mexico," said ([link removed]) Andre Miller, a policy analyst with Western Resource Advocates. "This executive order from Governor Lujan Grisham is a crucial first step towards achieving that goal. Reaching this goal will not only prevent biodiversity loss, it will also support New Mexico’s outdoor recreation economy, expand access to the outdoors for all New Mexicans, and boost our state’s efforts to address climate change."

With an executive order established in New Mexico, it's time for state land managers to take a look at the many tools and options that exist for reaching 30x30 ([link removed]) . States across the West are already engaging in conservation activities that can contribute to 30x30, and now is the time to learn from one another ([link removed]) .
Quick hits


** Dangerous fire weather days becoming more common in the West, study finds
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Guardian ([link removed]) | Climate Central ([link removed]) | Thomas Reuters Foundation News ([link removed])


** As the park service turns 105, check out some lesser-visited but still incredible national parks
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Forbes ([link removed])


** How climate change is making wildfires worse... which is amplifying COVID, damaging your skin
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NBC Boston ([link removed]) [Climate] | CNN ([link removed]) [Climate, COVID] | New York Times ([link removed]) [Smoke and skin]


** Forecasters couldn’t predict how quickly Western reservoirs would dry up this year. Scientists are trying to improve their models.
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Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed])


** The antidote to climate dread
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HuffPost ([link removed])


** Firefighters struggle to stop blaze bearing down on Lake Tahoe
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E&E News ([link removed])


** Congress may push for Arctic wildlife refuge drilling reversal in reconciliation bill
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The Hill ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])


** Interior keeps slashing royalty rates for coal companies
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E&E News ([link removed])
Quote of the day
If this drought continues, and the land is impacted, and it's being devastated, what kind of land are we going to leave for a younger generation?... We've been conserving for so long. But at this point, this drought is just going to make it harder to survive out here."

—Roland Tso, grazing official on the Navajo reservation discusses drought impacts on Navajo farmers, WBUR ([link removed])
Picture this


** @I ([link removed]) nterior ([link removed])
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Happy 105th birthday to the @NatlParkService ([link removed]) ! For more than a century, the passionate and dedicated people of the National Park Service have protected our country’s natural, cultural, and historic treasures for future generations to enjoy. Pic by Yueru Hao

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