Section 1932 Of Chapter 12. Significant Natural Areas From California Fish And Game Code >> Division 2. >> Chapter 12.
1932
. There is hereby established the Significant Natural Areas
Program which shall be administered by the department. The
department, in administering this program, shall do all of the
following:
(a) Obtain access to the most recent information with respect to
natural resources. In order to accomplish this, the department shall
maintain, expand, and keep current a data management system,
designated the California Natural Diversity Data Base, designed to
document information on these resources. That data shall be made
available to interested parties on request.
(b) Develop and maintain a spatial data system that identifies
those areas in the state that are most essential for maintaining
habitat connectivity, including wildlife corridors and habitat
linkages. This data should include information essential for
evaluating the needs of wildlife species, as defined in Section 89.5,
that require habitat connectivity for their long-term conservation,
including distribution and movement patterns.
(c) As appropriate, develop and maintain the database by
incorporating mapping products and data developed by other state
agencies.
(d) Make all of the data sets, and associated analytical products,
available to the public and other government entities.
(e) Ensure cost sharing by all who use the data management system
and develop an appropriate schedule of compensation to be paid by
individuals using the data management system, not to exceed the
actual costs for use of the data management system.
(f) Ensure recognition of the state's most significant natural
areas, including those affected by climate change. The department
shall, after consultation with federal, state, and local agencies,
education institutions, civic and public interest organizations,
private organizations, landowners, and other private individuals,
identify by means of periodic reports those natural areas deemed to
be most significant.
(g) Seek the maintenance and perpetuation of the state's most
significant natural areas for present and future generations in the
most feasible manner. The department shall consider alternative
approaches for that maintenance, including alternatives to fee
acquisition such as incentives, leasing, and dedication.
(h) Reduce unnecessary duplication of effort. The department shall
provide coordinating services to federal, state, local, and private
interests wishing to aid in the maintenance and perpetuation of
significant natural areas.
(i) Actively pursue grants and cost-sharing opportunities with
local, state, or federal agencies, or private entities that use the
data sets and benefit from their creation and maintenance.