Habitat Conservation
Environmental Review & Permitting
- California Endangered Species Act Permitting
- California Environmental Quality Act Review
- Lake & Streambed Alteration Program
- Timberland Conservation Program
Conservation Planning
Invasive Species & Rare Plants
Energy
Habitat
Conservation Planning Branch
CA Department of Fish & Game
1416 Ninth Street, 12th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Environmental Review & Permitting
California's fish and wildlife resources depend upon the quality and quantity of habitat including lands, waters, and other environmental factors necessary for survival.
The Environmental Review and Permitting Programs are responsible to fulfill the mission of the State to encourage the preservation, conservation and maintenance of wildlife resources under the jurisdiction and influence of the State, including the conservation, protection and management of fish, wildlife, native plants, and habitat necessary for biologically sustainable populations of those species.
California Endangered Species Act Permitting (CESA)
The California Endangered Species Act (CESA) allows the Department to authorize project proponents
to take state- listed threatened, endangered, or candidate species if certain conditions
are met. The permitting program administers the incidental take provisions of CESA
to ensure regulatory compliance and statewide consistency.
California Environmental Quality Act Review (CEQA)
The Department consults with lead and responsible agencies and provides
the requisite biological expertise to review and comment upon environmental
documents and impacts arising from project activities under the California
Environmental Quality Act.
Lake and Steambed Alteration Program (LSA)
The Lake and Streambed Alteration Program determines whether an agreement is needed for an
activity that will substantually modify a river, steam or lake. If DFG determines
that the activity may substantially adversely affect fish and wildlife resources, a Lake
or Streambed Alteration Agreement will be prepared. The Agreement includes reasonable conditions
necessary to protect those resources and must comply with the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA).
Timberland Conservation Program
Timber harvesting in California is overseen by multiple state agencies to address the variety
of potential impacts logging has on the environment. The Department may issue permits
for road construction across streams and incidental lake permits when endangered species
habitat is involved.