Stewardship Endowment Fund: California National Monuments
Managing 245 million acres of public lands and waters requires more than placing a ranger, map, or directional sign in the field.
Enduring land management calls for long-term planning, restoration, and stewardship, especially in the face of growing threats of wildfire and drought. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is the largest land and water manager in the country. It balances an eclectic portfolio of world-class recreation assets, rare species habitats, fire and disaster rescue crews, cultural and historic sites, and so much more. Yet each year, the BLM faces deep funding cuts, unexpected resource shifts, and an ever-growing set of responsibilities.
The BLM manages 1 out of every 10 acres in the country.
80M+ visitors per year
3,000 endangered and
threatened species
Stewardship Endowment Funds are the key to protecting our public lands and waters
When acres are designated as a National Monument or newly entrusted to the BLM, the real challenge begins. Congress places these pristine spaces under the Bureau’s care but provides zero funding and zero staff.
That’s where Sustainable Stewardship Funds, or endowments, come in. With the support of long-term funding, the BLM can invest in staffing, infrastructure, and restoration.
We’re taking a new approach to making ongoing management possible.
Sustainable Stewardship Funds empower the BLM to take a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to land and water management. These are enduring funds that will last alongside our public acres. They’re designed to exist independent of federal funds and budget fluctuations, allowing the BLM to better plan for its future and yours.
Protection for wildlife and vulnerable habitats
Youth education via outdoor classrooms, Junior Rangers, and more
Resilient trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding
Trailhead infrastructure like bathrooms and wayfinding signs
Invasive species removal to protect ecosystems and reduce fire risk
Interpretive signage that teaches visitors about the area
Stewardship Endowment Funds in Action
Successes To-Date
Protect coastline and Redwoods in perpetuity
California’s Lost Coast Redwoods Sustainable Stewardship Endowment, established in January 2025, is the first of its kind. Established through a $2 million donation from Save the Redwoods League, it ensures the newly designated 4,500-acre area will have permanent stewards. With this endowment, the BLM can develop and implement new plans for safe access to the lands and waters, as well as staff the site and engage the local community to encourage them to visit this jewel in the North Coast.
Successes To-Date
Planning endowment will bring safe recreation to the Colorado River and Blue River
Cotoni-Coast Dairies California National Monument
Support Public Lands and Waters in Santa Cruz County.
Cotoni-Coast Dairies was donated to the BLM in 2014. It’s a hidden gem within the California Coastal National Monument, which encompasses 20,000 rocks, islands, and reefs within 12 nautical miles of the California coastline as well as 7,924 acres of public land on shore.
The site is a tapestry of rugged coastline and jagged cliffs, red alder and arroyo willow forests, freshwater streams, deep ravines, and rolling hills. Cotoni-Coast Dairies is a spectacular and pristine outlet for hiking and cycling along the Central Coast north of Santa Cruz. It stands to offer countless adventures and inspire cherished memories — if the BLM can maintain its standard of care for the lands and waters.
Sustainable Stewardship Funds will transform access and restoration at Cotoni-Coast Dairies. With long-term funding, BLM stewards will ensure the land remains resilient in the wake of thousands of visitors and sustains healthy, diverse ecosystems for California’s native species.
At Cotoni-Coast Dairies, an investment in these funds will support:
Already, the BLM has invested in invisible fencing to keep cows safely away from human visitors. This way, cows can still graze on invasive weeds without turning trails into a muddy mess. A win for all.
Completion of a 19-mile trail network with dedicated trail loops for hiking, biking, birdwatching, and horseback riding
ADA-compliant trail sections and viewpoints
Habitat protection for threatened species
Invasive plant removal
Trailhead amenities, like bathrooms and parking
Ongoing trail maintenance and wayfinding signage
Collaboration with communities and local experts, such as the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, to educate visitors on the land’s history
