Department of Fish and Game

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Habitat Conservation Branch
California Department of Fish & Game
1416 Ninth Street, 12th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

Habitat Conservation Branch (HCB)

The Habitat Conservation Branch consists of multiple programs. These programs are dedicated towards the conservation and preservation of habitats and species in California and include the following:

California Endangered Species Act (CESA)

The basic policy of the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) is to conserve and enhance endangered species and their habitats.  CESA requires that all State lead agencies conduct an endangered species consultation to determine if their actions would affect a State listed threatened or endangered species.

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

The Department may play various roles under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process.  Under the Department’s jurisdiction over the conservation, protection, and management of wildlife, native plants, and habitat necessary to maintain biologically sustainable populations, the Department shall consult with lead and responsible agencies and shall provide the requisite biological expertise to review and comment upon environmental documents and impacts arising from project activities.

   Egret Habitat

Lake and Streambed Alteration Program (1600)

Any person, state or local governmental agency, or public agency is required by law to notify the Department of Fish and Game before beginning an activity that will substantially modify a river, stream, or lake.   The Department determines whether a Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement (LSAA) is needed for the activity and will draft and process the LSAA for approval.

Timber Harvest Plan Review

Timber harvesting in California is overseen by multiple state agencies to address the variety of potential impacts logging has on the environment.  Timber Harvest Plan review is conducted by several state agencies. The Department of Fish and Game is concerned with timber harvest impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitat, and may issue permits for road construction across streams and incidental lake permits when endangered species habitat is involved.
 
Natural Community Conservation Program (NCCP)

The Natural Community Conservation Program is a cooperative effort to protect habitats and species.   The program helps identify and provide for area wide protection of plants, animals, and their habitats while allowing compatible and appropriate economic activity.

 

 

Habitat Conservation Branch

       
Programs
    
           
    CEQA Permitting  
    Streambed Alteration Program (1600)  
Habcon     Timber Harvest Plan  
      Natural Communities Conservation Planning NCCP  
  Conservation and Mitigation Banking  
    Invasive Species  
  Rare Plant Program  


Conservation and Mitigation Banking

The Banking Program develops statewide policy and guidance for the establishment and operation of conservation and mitigation banks.  The Program provides support and technical assistance to DFG Region staff working on mitigation banks.

Invasive Species

The Invasive Species Program participates on efforts to prevent the introduction of non-native invasive species in California, detect and respond to introductions when they occur, and prevent the spread of non-native invasive species that have become established.

Rare Plant Program

The Rare Plant Program coordinates conservation activities for the State’s listed plants, including listing and plant collecting and research.

Strategic Goals:

  • Lead and participate in science-based conservation strategies
  • Develop statewide conservation policies
  • Lead and collaborate in large-scale conservation plans
  • Lead and participate in strategies to identify and solve invasive species problems
  • Improve conservation through effective use of CESA and CEQA
  • Develop, implement, and revise recovery plans for plant species
    •
 

  • Review and initiate listing/delisting proposals for plant species
  • Track the status of California's state-listed plant species
  • Contribute to listed species and habitat conservation efforts
  • Implement statewide tracking systems for environmental review, mitigation, conservation banks, and other programs
  • Direct funding to priority conservation actions and scientific research
  • Provide information and education to the public and stakeholders
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Building Alliances

  • Build collaborative partnerships within and outside the Department
  • Strengthen Branch-Region partnerships through regular communication and needs assessment
  

 

  • Provide leadership, guidance, and training to Department staff, other agencies, and the public