Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity
@urbanwildlands.bsky.social
The Center's Urban Wildlands program works to halt unsustainable sprawl development and fight for land-use policies that protect communities and wildlife.
Pinned
Attn California voters!
Early voting starts Mon. and we need you to join us in defeating Prop. 45. This initiative makes it easier for developers to build data centers and landfill gas facilities AND it makes it easier for them to sue cities and counties that challenge polluting projects.
#NoOn45
Early voting starts Mon. and we need you to join us in defeating Prop. 45. This initiative makes it easier for developers to build data centers and landfill gas facilities AND it makes it easier for them to sue cities and counties that challenge polluting projects.
#NoOn45
Attn California voters!
Early voting starts Mon. and we need you to join us in defeating Prop. 45. This initiative makes it easier for developers to build data centers and landfill gas facilities AND it makes it easier for them to sue cities and counties that challenge polluting projects.
#NoOn45
Early voting starts Mon. and we need you to join us in defeating Prop. 45. This initiative makes it easier for developers to build data centers and landfill gas facilities AND it makes it easier for them to sue cities and counties that challenge polluting projects.
#NoOn45
October 2, 2026 at 11:52 PM
Attn California voters!
Early voting starts Mon. and we need you to join us in defeating Prop. 45. This initiative makes it easier for developers to build data centers and landfill gas facilities AND it makes it easier for them to sue cities and counties that challenge polluting projects.
#NoOn45
Early voting starts Mon. and we need you to join us in defeating Prop. 45. This initiative makes it easier for developers to build data centers and landfill gas facilities AND it makes it easier for them to sue cities and counties that challenge polluting projects.
#NoOn45
There might be some difficult choices for California voters in Nov but one proposition is obvious: #NoOnProp45.
As communities come to grips with the environmental harms of data centers, why are we asking voters to give polluters and Big Tech more leeway?
medium.com/center-for-b...
As communities come to grips with the environmental harms of data centers, why are we asking voters to give polluters and Big Tech more leeway?
medium.com/center-for-b...
California Voters Uninterested in Polluting Projects Promoted by Prop. 45
In November California voters will be asked whether to return the state to the bygone days when land was developed with very few…
medium.com
September 30, 2026 at 7:02 PM
There might be some difficult choices for California voters in Nov but one proposition is obvious: #NoOnProp45.
As communities come to grips with the environmental harms of data centers, why are we asking voters to give polluters and Big Tech more leeway?
medium.com/center-for-b...
As communities come to grips with the environmental harms of data centers, why are we asking voters to give polluters and Big Tech more leeway?
medium.com/center-for-b...
Vetoing Senate Bill 954 is a big mistake. Climate change and poor land-use decisions are putting our state's biodiversity at grave risk. Now @governor.ca.gov is making things worse by allowing endangered species habitat to be paved over without thorough review.
calmatters.org/commentary/2...
calmatters.org/commentary/2...
Opinion | Gavin Newsom paddles to the political right with 3 notable vetoes
Newsom's rejection of pension, work-from-home and environmental bills won points with the right but angered some unions and advocacy groups.
calmatters.org
September 29, 2026 at 10:34 PM
Vetoing Senate Bill 954 is a big mistake. Climate change and poor land-use decisions are putting our state's biodiversity at grave risk. Now @governor.ca.gov is making things worse by allowing endangered species habitat to be paved over without thorough review.
calmatters.org/commentary/2...
calmatters.org/commentary/2...
We’re pleased that California lawmakers are behind #SB954. Now let’s get @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social to sign it.
We can’t allow manufacturing projects be built without first conducting a survey to determine the presence of threatened or endangered species.
We can’t allow manufacturing projects be built without first conducting a survey to determine the presence of threatened or endangered species.
August 27, 2026 at 9:38 PM
We’re pleased that California lawmakers are behind #SB954. Now let’s get @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social to sign it.
We can’t allow manufacturing projects be built without first conducting a survey to determine the presence of threatened or endangered species.
We can’t allow manufacturing projects be built without first conducting a survey to determine the presence of threatened or endangered species.
It's true.
When plants in the reservoir and dam decompose, it releases harmful climate-warming emissions. Having this information gives us a better sense of water infrastructure's environmental threats.
When plants in the reservoir and dam decompose, it releases harmful climate-warming emissions. Having this information gives us a better sense of water infrastructure's environmental threats.
California’s Air Resources Board will start tracking estimates of the climate-warming methane that bubbles up from the state’s dams and reservoirs. www.latimes.com/environment/...
Tons of planet-warming gases are bubbling up from reservoirs. California is going to keep track
California's Air Resources Board will start tracking estimates of the climate-warming methane that bubbles up from the state's dams and reservoirs.
www.latimes.com
August 27, 2026 at 3:34 PM
It's true.
When plants in the reservoir and dam decompose, it releases harmful climate-warming emissions. Having this information gives us a better sense of water infrastructure's environmental threats.
When plants in the reservoir and dam decompose, it releases harmful climate-warming emissions. Having this information gives us a better sense of water infrastructure's environmental threats.
Don't believe the corporations that claim Prop 45 is about affordability.
Because why isn't there a single provision that increases affordability? Why is it full of carveouts for gas pipelines & freeway expansions to skip a thorough enviro review?
#NoOnProp45
www.bakersfield.com/news/prop-45...
Because why isn't there a single provision that increases affordability? Why is it full of carveouts for gas pipelines & freeway expansions to skip a thorough enviro review?
#NoOnProp45
www.bakersfield.com/news/prop-45...
Prop. 45 divides business groups, environmental advocates on proper way to reform CEQA
The latest attempt to reform the state’s landmark environmental quality law is stirring passions on both sides of the issue as it heads to the Nov. 3 general election.
www.bakersfield.com
August 21, 2026 at 11:29 PM
Don't believe the corporations that claim Prop 45 is about affordability.
Because why isn't there a single provision that increases affordability? Why is it full of carveouts for gas pipelines & freeway expansions to skip a thorough enviro review?
#NoOnProp45
www.bakersfield.com/news/prop-45...
Because why isn't there a single provision that increases affordability? Why is it full of carveouts for gas pipelines & freeway expansions to skip a thorough enviro review?
#NoOnProp45
www.bakersfield.com/news/prop-45...
We're part of a coalition of nearly 300 groups opposing #Prop45. Now the @cademocrats.bsky.social are joining us to safeguard CA's environmental protections.
Prop 45 would make it easier for developers to pollute our communities and for developers to sue cities/counties.
#PeopleOverPolluters
Prop 45 would make it easier for developers to pollute our communities and for developers to sue cities/counties.
#PeopleOverPolluters
August 3, 2026 at 9:54 PM
We're part of a coalition of nearly 300 groups opposing #Prop45. Now the @cademocrats.bsky.social are joining us to safeguard CA's environmental protections.
Prop 45 would make it easier for developers to pollute our communities and for developers to sue cities/counties.
#PeopleOverPolluters
Prop 45 would make it easier for developers to pollute our communities and for developers to sue cities/counties.
#PeopleOverPolluters
We're asking Ventura County supervisors to reject this mining expansion. Pacific Rock would block a very narrow corridor for pumas and potentially harm the Conejo buckwheat, a plant so rare, it's only found in this corner of the county.
nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
Approval of rock mine's expansion and 60-year permit faces backlash
An environmental group appealed a decision to allow a Ventura County mining operation to expand. Here's what happens next.
nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com
July 31, 2026 at 10:24 PM
We're asking Ventura County supervisors to reject this mining expansion. Pacific Rock would block a very narrow corridor for pumas and potentially harm the Conejo buckwheat, a plant so rare, it's only found in this corner of the county.
nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
You might've heard about our ongoing fight over "Alligator Alcatraz" in Fla.
Well, here in CA, we're fighting ICE, too.
We believe that to build a detention facility, you have to follow state enviro laws.
Read more in @sacbee.com about our latest legal filing.
www.sacbee.com/news/politic...
Well, here in CA, we're fighting ICE, too.
We believe that to build a detention facility, you have to follow state enviro laws.
Read more in @sacbee.com about our latest legal filing.
www.sacbee.com/news/politic...
California environmental groups seek to stop development of ICE detention center
The Center for Biological Diversity and other groups say a new ICE facility near Gilroy would destroy sensitive habitat.
www.sacbee.com
July 30, 2026 at 9:56 PM
You might've heard about our ongoing fight over "Alligator Alcatraz" in Fla.
Well, here in CA, we're fighting ICE, too.
We believe that to build a detention facility, you have to follow state enviro laws.
Read more in @sacbee.com about our latest legal filing.
www.sacbee.com/news/politic...
Well, here in CA, we're fighting ICE, too.
We believe that to build a detention facility, you have to follow state enviro laws.
Read more in @sacbee.com about our latest legal filing.
www.sacbee.com/news/politic...
You've heard of zombie projects right?
Well Cadiz is the worst kind.
The Trump admin has approved a nasty desert water grab that would destroy CA's Mojave desert wildlife. That's why we're suing ... again.
biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
Well Cadiz is the worst kind.
The Trump admin has approved a nasty desert water grab that would destroy CA's Mojave desert wildlife. That's why we're suing ... again.
biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
July 29, 2026 at 6:08 PM
You've heard of zombie projects right?
Well Cadiz is the worst kind.
The Trump admin has approved a nasty desert water grab that would destroy CA's Mojave desert wildlife. That's why we're suing ... again.
biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
Well Cadiz is the worst kind.
The Trump admin has approved a nasty desert water grab that would destroy CA's Mojave desert wildlife. That's why we're suing ... again.
biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
Reposted by Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity
The contentious lakeside spot had been threatened with development for years.
OpenAI co-founder revealed as giant donor behind Big Bear eagle land
The contentious lakeside spot had been threatened with development for years.
bit.ly
July 24, 2026 at 8:00 PM
The contentious lakeside spot had been threatened with development for years.
The @biologicaldiversity.org has successfully fended off this project before and we're poised to do it again.
Read more about the Trump administration's latest approval to drain an ancient aquifer from the Mojave Desert.
www.latimes.com/business/sto...
Read more about the Trump administration's latest approval to drain an ancient aquifer from the Mojave Desert.
www.latimes.com/business/sto...
Commentary: Trump greenlights California's dumbest water project
The Cadiz water project, a plan to drain water from the Mojave desert, has been fought by environmentalists for a quarter-century. Trump just approved it — again.
www.latimes.com
July 15, 2026 at 11:13 PM
The @biologicaldiversity.org has successfully fended off this project before and we're poised to do it again.
Read more about the Trump administration's latest approval to drain an ancient aquifer from the Mojave Desert.
www.latimes.com/business/sto...
Read more about the Trump administration's latest approval to drain an ancient aquifer from the Mojave Desert.
www.latimes.com/business/sto...
If you're in San Francisco on April 23, save the date!
Center for Biological Diversity experts Tiffany Yap and Ben Grundy will help lead a discussion and bioacoustic listening session.
What The Whales and Lions Tell Us is part of SF Climate Week.
5:45-8 pm at Frontier Tower
Center for Biological Diversity experts Tiffany Yap and Ben Grundy will help lead a discussion and bioacoustic listening session.
What The Whales and Lions Tell Us is part of SF Climate Week.
5:45-8 pm at Frontier Tower
April 15, 2026 at 3:22 AM
If you're in San Francisco on April 23, save the date!
Center for Biological Diversity experts Tiffany Yap and Ben Grundy will help lead a discussion and bioacoustic listening session.
What The Whales and Lions Tell Us is part of SF Climate Week.
5:45-8 pm at Frontier Tower
Center for Biological Diversity experts Tiffany Yap and Ben Grundy will help lead a discussion and bioacoustic listening session.
What The Whales and Lions Tell Us is part of SF Climate Week.
5:45-8 pm at Frontier Tower
California has recognized the state's most struggling mountain lion populations as a threatened species.
Now what?
calmatters.org/commentary/2...
Now what?
calmatters.org/commentary/2...
Opinion | California safeguards pumas as federal rules fail to protect their habitat
The state placed six mountain lion species on the threatened list, so road and land developers must evaluate projects to not isolate pumas.
calmatters.org
April 2, 2026 at 7:43 PM
California has recognized the state's most struggling mountain lion populations as a threatened species.
Now what?
calmatters.org/commentary/2...
Now what?
calmatters.org/commentary/2...
Reposted by Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity
We are saddened to share an update about two CA mountain lion kittens that were orphaned when their mom was struck on a freeway last fall: they have sadly succumbed to a similar fate.
Improving existing barriers and getting more wildlife crossings on our roads could have prevented these deaths.
Improving existing barriers and getting more wildlife crossings on our roads could have prevented these deaths.
Lack of Fencing Along Ortega Highway Kills Two More Mountain Lions in OC
Orange County's mountain lions face increasing dangers from road crossings, with three protected lions killed in six months.
voiceofoc.org
March 24, 2026 at 12:00 AM
We are saddened to share an update about two CA mountain lion kittens that were orphaned when their mom was struck on a freeway last fall: they have sadly succumbed to a similar fate.
Improving existing barriers and getting more wildlife crossings on our roads could have prevented these deaths.
Improving existing barriers and getting more wildlife crossings on our roads could have prevented these deaths.
Excellent case study on why gutting the California Environmental Quality Act harms some communities more than others.
#CEQAProtectsUsAll
@calmatters.org's piece explains why #SB131 needs to be fixed.
calmatters.org/commentary/2...
#CEQAProtectsUsAll
@calmatters.org's piece explains why #SB131 needs to be fixed.
calmatters.org/commentary/2...
Opinion | Small California communities deserve protection from big polluting manufacturers
Lawmakers passed exemptions for advanced manufacturing in CEQA, the state’s main environmental law. Now they should plug some of those holes.
calmatters.org
March 18, 2026 at 10:24 PM
Excellent case study on why gutting the California Environmental Quality Act harms some communities more than others.
#CEQAProtectsUsAll
@calmatters.org's piece explains why #SB131 needs to be fixed.
calmatters.org/commentary/2...
#CEQAProtectsUsAll
@calmatters.org's piece explains why #SB131 needs to be fixed.
calmatters.org/commentary/2...
The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is an important step in addressing a key barrier to wildlife movement. The @biologicaldiversity.org is proud to support this project. Crossings help species like mountain lions move safely across the landscape and they protect us from collisions with wildlife.
March 18, 2026 at 8:21 PM
The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is an important step in addressing a key barrier to wildlife movement. The @biologicaldiversity.org is proud to support this project. Crossings help species like mountain lions move safely across the landscape and they protect us from collisions with wildlife.
We applaud state officials for granting endangered species protections to imperiled pumas. Let's now work on a recovery plan to prevent local extinction!
Habitat maps show how freeways and developments trap Bay Area mountain lions, limiting their ability to find new territory.
Trapped by freeways and sprawl, mountain lions have ‘no way to leave’ Bay Area habitat
Habitat maps show how freeways and developments trap Bay Area mountain lions, limiting their ability to find new territory.
bit.ly
March 10, 2026 at 5:19 PM
We applaud state officials for granting endangered species protections to imperiled pumas. Let's now work on a recovery plan to prevent local extinction!
Today's vote to give six CA mountain lion populations Endangered Species Act protections shows that conservation work takes time, effort and widespread support.
But boy is it worth it!
But boy is it worth it!
Today's decision comes in response to a Center petition alongside Mountain Lion Foundation and your support was crucial in making it happen. Thank you for speaking up to protect these beautiful big cats.
February 13, 2026 at 2:23 AM
Today's vote to give six CA mountain lion populations Endangered Species Act protections shows that conservation work takes time, effort and widespread support.
But boy is it worth it!
But boy is it worth it!
Reposted by Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity
Huge win for California mountain lions: Today they were granted protection under the state #EndangeredSpeciesAct 🙌🐾
Now, six populations within Southern #California and the Central Coast will receive much-needed protections under the Act.
More info on this win for the wild ➡️ bit.ly/4tzC4FI
Now, six populations within Southern #California and the Central Coast will receive much-needed protections under the Act.
More info on this win for the wild ➡️ bit.ly/4tzC4FI
February 12, 2026 at 9:57 PM
Huge win for California mountain lions: Today they were granted protection under the state #EndangeredSpeciesAct 🙌🐾
Now, six populations within Southern #California and the Central Coast will receive much-needed protections under the Act.
More info on this win for the wild ➡️ bit.ly/4tzC4FI
Now, six populations within Southern #California and the Central Coast will receive much-needed protections under the Act.
More info on this win for the wild ➡️ bit.ly/4tzC4FI
Tiffany Yap, science director at @biologicaldiversity.org explains to @calmatters.org why today’s vote is so important. “These populations are facing an extinction vortex. We need these protections to get more connectivity on our roads.” calmatters.org/environment/...
Caged by concrete, killed by cars: California moves to save coastal mountain lions from extinction
Isolated by freeways and cities, coastal mountain lions risk inbreeding to extinction. The state just gave them new protections.
calmatters.org
February 12, 2026 at 9:38 PM
Tiffany Yap, science director at @biologicaldiversity.org explains to @calmatters.org why today’s vote is so important. “These populations are facing an extinction vortex. We need these protections to get more connectivity on our roads.” calmatters.org/environment/...
Breaking: The California Fish and Game Commission voted to protect mountain lions from the Bay Area to the Mexico border. This is fantastic news for the imperiled puma populations!
biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
February 12, 2026 at 8:51 PM
Breaking: The California Fish and Game Commission voted to protect mountain lions from the Bay Area to the Mexico border. This is fantastic news for the imperiled puma populations!
biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
Important news this wk on mtn lions.
A CA commission is set to vote on declaring SoCal & Central Coast pumas threated under the state Endangered Species Act. This could be a new chapter for the beleagured cats.
Find out mtg deets, how to comment on Thurs.
biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
A CA commission is set to vote on declaring SoCal & Central Coast pumas threated under the state Endangered Species Act. This could be a new chapter for the beleagured cats.
Find out mtg deets, how to comment on Thurs.
biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
California Commission to Vote Thursday on Permanent Mountain Lion Protections
Center for Biological Diversity: Decision Would List Central Coast, Southern California Pumas
biologicaldiversity.org
February 10, 2026 at 9:26 PM
Important news this wk on mtn lions.
A CA commission is set to vote on declaring SoCal & Central Coast pumas threated under the state Endangered Species Act. This could be a new chapter for the beleagured cats.
Find out mtg deets, how to comment on Thurs.
biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
A CA commission is set to vote on declaring SoCal & Central Coast pumas threated under the state Endangered Species Act. This could be a new chapter for the beleagured cats.
Find out mtg deets, how to comment on Thurs.
biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
Fantastic news!
For years, Tribal members, neighbors & nature lovers have voiced concerns about the proposed 400+ acre mining operating. Now the land, a sacred Amah Mutsun Tribal Band site, is permanently protected.
@kurtisalexander.bsky.social reports.
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
For years, Tribal members, neighbors & nature lovers have voiced concerns about the proposed 400+ acre mining operating. Now the land, a sacred Amah Mutsun Tribal Band site, is permanently protected.
@kurtisalexander.bsky.social reports.
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
Land trust buys scenic Bay Area ranch, halting controversial plan for a quarry
One of the South Bay’s largest remaining private rural properties will be protected from new development — and plans for a quarry will be scrapped.
www.sfchronicle.com
January 31, 2026 at 12:37 AM
Fantastic news!
For years, Tribal members, neighbors & nature lovers have voiced concerns about the proposed 400+ acre mining operating. Now the land, a sacred Amah Mutsun Tribal Band site, is permanently protected.
@kurtisalexander.bsky.social reports.
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
For years, Tribal members, neighbors & nature lovers have voiced concerns about the proposed 400+ acre mining operating. Now the land, a sacred Amah Mutsun Tribal Band site, is permanently protected.
@kurtisalexander.bsky.social reports.
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
Reposted by Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity
Tiffany Yap, our Urban Wildlands Science Director, was quoted by the @sfchronicle.com saying:
“We can coexist. We have incredible biodiversity. We have coyotes. We have native butterflies. We have so much life, and we can do more to support it with our parks and green space.” ⬇️
“We can coexist. We have incredible biodiversity. We have coyotes. We have native butterflies. We have so much life, and we can do more to support it with our parks and green space.” ⬇️
Even in a big city like San Francisco, there's wildlife all around us. Here's to keeping California wild for this mountain lion and other species!
www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/m...
www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/m...
S.F. mountain lion tranquilized, will be released into wild
San Francisco officials have apprehended a young mountain lion that had been roaming an area near Lafayette Park for the last 30 hours.
www.sfchronicle.com
January 28, 2026 at 7:49 PM
Tiffany Yap, our Urban Wildlands Science Director, was quoted by the @sfchronicle.com saying:
“We can coexist. We have incredible biodiversity. We have coyotes. We have native butterflies. We have so much life, and we can do more to support it with our parks and green space.” ⬇️
“We can coexist. We have incredible biodiversity. We have coyotes. We have native butterflies. We have so much life, and we can do more to support it with our parks and green space.” ⬇️