Restoration Programs

While the 30x30 goal is about protecting land, restoring ecosystems and enhancing wildlife habitat can help to address climate impacts and the biodiversity crisis. In the U.S., nearly 60% of land is still in a mostly natural condition or could be restored, giving restoration programs an important role to play in conservation. Here are a few examples of successful restoration programs in Western states:

Nevada Tahoe Program

Nevada’s Tahoe Program is a comprehensive restoration program that improves water quality, controls erosion, restores natural watercourses, improves forest health and wildlife habitat, and provides recreational opportunities in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The lake, which straddles the border between California and Nevada, is surrounded by a patchwork of land ownership, as well as significant habitat and recreation resources.

The restoration program is a collaborative effort between four state agencies that then works with a network of other stakeholders, including the state of California, the federal government, local governments, and private landowners.

Nevada’s Division of State Lands capitalized on Nevada’s unique conservation bond funding program, which was reauthorized in 2019. Projects range from forest thinning and prescribed burns to acquiring and managing urban lots for erosion control, water quality, wildlife habitat, open space, and forest restoration. 

RESTORE Colorado

Restoration and Stewardship of Outdoor Resources and Environment (RESTORE) Colorado is a partnership between Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), Colorado land management agencies, and nonprofit organizations aiming to fund large-scale habitat restoration and stewardship projects across several habitat priorities. The collaboration allows the agencies and organizations to support larger, more impactful projects and streamline the application process for grantees. 

In 2020, Restore Colorado awarded $2.7 million in grants, which was matched by another $3 million from other sources. Projects included active management to improve big game habitat, removing invasive species in sagebrush ecosystems, and removing fish barriers and restoring the floodplain along the Conejos River. 

Idaho Habitat Improvement Program

Idaho Fish and Game partners with private landowners and Tribes to provide technical and financial assistance for upland game bird and waterfowl habitat enhancement projects. Landowners apply to the program, and receive assistance from state biologists to create a cooperative agreement and project plan. Enhancements range from wetland buffer zones to establishing grassy areas for nesting and winter cover.