We know many of you have questions about how recent federal funding changes and policy shifts are affecting land conservation here in Santa Barbara County. To help shed light on the situation, we’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions we’re hearing.

Our goal is to provide clarity, share how these changes are impacting our local work, and most importantly—highlight how, together, we can overcome these challenges to protect the land we love for future generations.

If you have additional questions, please reach out to us at communications at sblandtrust.org.

How are current federal funding levels and policies impacting land conservation efforts in Santa Barbara County?

Right now, there’s a lot of uncertainty. In general, federal funding that supports land conservation and the protection of threatened or endangered species is being cut—or is at risk of being cut. Some of our federal partners are rushing to spend the funds they’ve already been allocated, worried they could lose access to them if they don’t act quickly.

It’s also unclear what’s happening with funding for agricultural preservation. On top of that, we’re beginning to see signs that federal cuts could start to impact state-level funding as well.

To make things more complicated, policy changes are happening in a non-linear manner, so it’s hard to predict what the long-term impact will be. In the short-term, there’s widespread confusion over what might happen to some of the agencies we regularly work with—like the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Natural Resource Conservation Service.

How are changes in federal environmental policies influencing land protection priorities in Santa Barbara County?

The good news is that our conservation priorities are not driven by election cycles or shifts in federal policy. We know the land here parcel by parcel, and we stay focused on protecting the most at-risk areas from inappropriate development. 

That said, we often have to adjust as we go. Conservation deals can take time, and we’re used to pivoting when funding sources, laws, or policies change. We never expect this work to be quick or easy—it rarely is—but we stay committed to securing the best possible outcome for the public good with every project.

Ongoing policy uncertainty can slow things down, no doubt. But we keep pushing forward, deal by deal.

Are staff reductions at federal agencies—like the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the US Forest Service—affecting local conservation work?

Yes, absolutely. In some cases, even if grant funding for a project is still available, there’s real concern about whether there’s anyone left in the office to actually process and distribute those funds. It’s an unsettled situation and adds another layer of uncertainty to our work.

What is the Land Trust’s strategy for mitigating the impact of federal budget cuts on local conservation projects?

This is where our amazing community of supporters really makes a difference. We’ll be counting on individual donors, family foundations, and private institutions more than ever in the coming years, especially without the federal funding we’ve traditionally been able to leverage for our county.

We’ve got a strong pipeline of important conservation projects and landowners who are willing to work with us in a variety of ways—but we can’t do it alone. To protect critical habitats, expand public access to open space, and support our local food systems, we’ll need all hands on deck.

How is the Land Trust advocating for local and state policies to help offset reductions in federal support?

We stay actively involved in funding and policies through our partnerships with the California Council of Land Trusts (CCLT) and the national Land Trust Alliance (LTA). These organizations represent land trusts like ours, pushing for strong conservation policies, funding, and long-term support for the work we do.

They also help shape policy platforms and work directly with elected officials across the political spectrum to protect lands and waters for habitat, climate resilience, local food systems, public access, and cultural preservation.

Our team keeps a close connection with both groups to make sure Santa Barbara County’s priorities are part of the bigger picture—and well represented in state and national conversations.

Are any regional projects or initiatives at risk due to federal funding cuts?

Yes—though which ones are at risk is shifting all the time. In general, newer federal land protection designations are especially vulnerable. But it’s not just about land—entire areas of work, like alternative energy initiatives, could also be impacted.

What actions is the Land Trust taking to ensure the long-term protection and sustainability of local lands, despite federal setbacks?

One of the things we do with every new conservation deal is set aside funds specifically for long-term stewardship. These help cover the cost of monitoring and enforcing conservation easements—forever. It’s not the flashiest part of our work, and these funds can be tough to raise, but they’re critical. Without them, protected lands could become vulnerable again if government funding dries up.

We’ve also seen a big increase in stewardship costs as our conservation easements age. In some cases, new landowners—who weren’t part of the original agreement—may push the limits of what’s allowed, which takes more time and resources to manage.

That’s why we’re actively reviewing our long-term costs and working to secure additional funding to meet our responsibilities. Planned gifts have been an essential part of helping us rise to this challenge.

Has the Land Trust experienced a decline in federal grants or resources that traditionally support land acquisition and stewardship?

Yes, we’ve seen cuts across the board—whether it’s for endangered species protection, agricultural preservation, climate resilience, and more. Unfortunately, we expect these reductions to continue for the foreseeable future.

How can donors and community members help sustain land conservation efforts in Santa Barbara County during this time of political and financial uncertainty?

We’re not just facing political uncertainty—we’re seeing the erosion of the institutions that have long supported land conservation at the national, state, and local levels. Now more than ever, we need individuals to step up and support our work. Every dollar truly makes a difference.

Private funding isn’t just about replacing lost federal dollars; it’s about strengthening the Land Trust’s ability to strategize, advocate, and collaborate in response to the challenges posed by federal cuts and anti-conservation policies. It also allows us to continue moving forward with our conservation goals, ensuring a better quality of life, reducing the impacts of climate change, and expanding access to the outdoors that we need so badly to nourish our souls.

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