Sacramento, CA, January 13, 2026
Conservation leaders from California convened in Sacramento for the 25th anniversary of the ‘California Missing Linkages’ Symposium. The event highlighted the importance of reconnecting ecological landscapes and discussed actionable initiatives for future conservation efforts. By emphasizing collaboration among various organizations, the symposium aimed to foster community-driven actions that will benefit both wildlife and local inhabitants alike.
California Conservation Leaders Gather for 25th Anniversary Symposium
Celebrating Two Decades of Connectivity Conservation
Sacramento, CA – In an inspiring display of commitment to California’s ecological future, conservation practitioners from across the state congregated in Sacramento on January 8–9, 2026, for the 25th anniversary of the “California Missing Linkages” Symposium. This two-day event emphasized the vital importance of reestablishing connections between California’s diverse ecological landscapes while charting a course for future conservation actions through 2050.
With the symposium marked by a collaborative spirit, a coalition of state and federal agencies, organizations, and scientific partners coordinated the event, showcasing a model for how collective action can yield significant results. While bureaucracy can often slow progress, events like these reflect the power of streamlined collaboration to foster local initiatives that benefit both wildlife and communities alike.
Symposium Overview
The symposium celebrated the achievements stemming from the landmark 2000 initiative “Missing Linkages: Restoring Connectivity to the California Landscape.” By identifying over 200 critical wildlife linkages statewide, this initiative has served as a catalyst for major conservation efforts, including the South Coast Missing Linkages and California Essential Habitat Connectivity projects. The attendees reviewed the progress achieved over the past 25 years and set actionable agendas for the coming decades.
Agenda and Resources
Participants at the event engaged in a comprehensive agenda that included opening plenaries, breakout sessions focusing on ecoregional connectivity priorities, and topical discussions on various conservation topics. Resources like the full agenda and registrant maps were made available to enhance collaboration among attendees. This format encouraged not only knowledge exchange but also robust networking opportunities to strengthen community ties.
Collaborative Efforts for Connectivity
The success of the symposium exemplifies the power of collaborative partnerships. With key players such as The Nature Conservancy, SC Wildlands, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance among others, the event illustrated how community leadership and private partnerships can drive conservation efforts. This cooperative framework is vital for the development of large-scale connectivity necessary to ensure the survival of California’s diverse wildlife species.
Importance of a Connected California
Preserving and restoring functional connectivity stands as a cornerstone of sustainable biodiversity in the state. As habitat loss continues to threaten various species, ensuring their ability to move freely in search of resources will be critical in adapting to environmental changes. By creating wildlife crossings and enhancing infrastructure for safer wildlife movement, a network of connected ecosystems can be revived, allowing wildlife to thrive amidst challenges such as extreme heat and wildfires.
Looking Ahead
The 25th Anniversary Symposium not only celebrated past accomplishments but also laid the groundwork for future initiatives. By pinpointing critical areas for conservation focus over the next 25 years, the discussions provided a blueprint that emphasizes necessary partnerships, policies, and funding. These efforts will continue to support connectivity conservation and establish a resilient ecological fabric across the state.
Key Features of the Symposium
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dates | January 8–9, 2026 |
| Location | Sacramento, CA |
| Purpose | Celebrate 25 years of the “California Missing Linkages” initiative and plan for future connectivity conservation actions through 2050 |
| Organizers | Coalition of state and federal agencies, organizations, and scientific partners |
| Agenda Highlights | Opening plenaries, breakout sessions on ecoregional and statewide connectivity priorities, topical breakout discussions |
| Collaborative Partners | The Nature Conservancy, SC Wildlands, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Transportation, California State Parks, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Geological Survey, CalWild, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance |
| Symposium Resources | Full agenda, registrant maps, and other resources available to participants |
| Future Goals | Identify critical linkages for conservation focus in the next 25 years, highlight necessary partnerships, policies, and funding to support connectivity conservation efforts |
FAQ
What was the purpose of the 25th Anniversary of the “California Missing Linkages” Symposium?
The symposium aimed to celebrate 25 years of the “California Missing Linkages” initiative and plan for future connectivity conservation actions through 2050.
Who organized the symposium?
The symposium was organized by a coalition of state and federal agencies, organizations, and scientific partners.
What were some key features of the symposium?
The symposium featured opening plenaries, breakout sessions on ecoregional and statewide connectivity priorities, and topical breakout discussions. Resources such as the full agenda and registrant maps were made available to participants.
What is the significance of the “California Missing Linkages” initiative?
The initiative identified more than 200 critical wildlife linkages statewide and catalyzed major connectivity efforts, including the South Coast Missing Linkages, California Essential Habitat Connectivity, and the Resilient Connected Network.
What are the future goals of the “California Missing Linkages” initiative?
The initiative aims to identify critical linkages for conservation focus in the next 25 years and highlight the necessary partnerships, policies, and funding to support connectivity conservation efforts.
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