Planning and Conservation League - Established 1965
60 Years of People Making History
Since our founding six decades ago, PCL’s staff, volunteers, interns, board members, and our supporters have remained at the forefront of California’s environmental movement. We are proud to have participated in the creation of some of the state’s most crucial environmental laws and policies, including the California Coastal Act, the State Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, the California Environmental Quality Act, the Bottle Bill, the Habitat Conservation Fund, the Integrated Waste Management Act and so much more…
Check out thePCL Photo Album below for both historical and event photos – and please send us your PCL pictures to add and share!
Are you a past volunteer, intern, staffer, or board member? We are looking to learn more about you and your time with PCL. Please take a few moments to tell us more about you so we can recognize your contributions to our shared legacy!
Our Legacy & History
For 60 years, PCL has organized diverse coalitions to support and advance a more livable California for all. PCL along with our allies and friends have a record of action, including the California Coastal Act, the State Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, the California Environmental Quality Act, the Bottle Bill, the Habitat Conservation Fund, the Integrated Waste Management Act, and the Water Rights Modernization movement. PCL’s successes have gone on to shape environmenatl policy arross the nation and around the world. Read more on our History and Accomplishments page.
Generations ago…in 1964, friends who cared about the environment began talking, and planning, and by the spring of 1965…the Planning and Conservation League for Legislative Action was born. Since then, PCL’s volunteers, interns, staff, board members, advisors, and supporters, along with our friends, have successfully campaigned to enact hundreds of environmental laws, pass over a dozen ballot initiatives, and invest nearly $50 billion in California’s health, wildlife, and landscape.
In 1965, a group of citizens stood up to the environmental destruction following uncontrolled development throughout the state. They formed the Planning and Conservation League (PCL) to prevent nonstop development from further devastating California’s air, lands, and waters, and to protect all those who call it home. Join Us on Friday, September 5th, 2025, to celebrate 60 years of success!
In Memorium
A memorial video honoring the many heroes of California’s environment who have passed away, who were alumni of the Planning and Conservation League (est. 1965) and the PCL Foundation (est. 1973). If you have any corrections or a name to add to our in memorium list, please contact us at pclfamily@pcl.org.
PCL History Slide Show
A slideshow of the history and people of PCL played at our 60th Anniversary Celebration. You can watch a more detailed documentary of PCL history on our History and Accomplishments page.
Thank You to the Sponsors of PCL's 60th Anniversay
SABER-TOOTHED CAT LEVEL
David Hirsch
GRAY WHALE LEVEL
Corey & Marcy Brown
National Wildlife Federation
Sage Sweetwood & Claire Lipschultz
CALIFORNIA COUGAR LEVEL
Carstens, Black & Minteer, LLP
Dan Frost
Kevin Johnson
Ellen Garber
Lozeau Drury LLP
Mogavero Architects
Patricia Schifferle & Bob Gilliom
Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP
Terry Watt
POPPY FLOWER LEVEL
California Wildlife Foundation
Fran Layton
Johnnie Carlson
Rachel Hooper
Remy Moose Manley, LLP
Tina Thomas in Memory of Trudy Remy
DELTA SMELT LEVEL
Andy Sawyer & Carol Bingham
Anthony and Margaret De Riggi
