Wildlife Connectivity Actions

Division 2, Chapter 13.5 of the Fish and Game Code deals with wildlife connectivity actions under the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Section 1955 contains six legislative findings and declarations.

Section 1956 contains definitions for the following terms: “compensatory mitigation credit,” “long-term durability,” “permanent protection,” and “wildlife connectivity action.”

Section 1957 authorizes the department to approve compensatory mitigation credits for wildlife connectivity actions taken under either of two specified programs. A wildlife connectivity action must permanently protect all real property comprising the wildlife connectivity action or where the wildlife connectivity action is sited in order to receive compensatory mitigation credits pursuant to this chapter.

The department may determine, on a case-by-case-basis, that permanent protection of all, or part of, the real property is infeasible. If the department determines that permanent protection of the real property is infeasible, the department may still provide compensatory mitigation credits, including compensatory mitigation credits for permanent impacts, for the wildlife connectivity action if the wildlife connectivity action meets both of the specified conditions. In determining the value of compensatory mitigation credits for wildlife connectivity actions, the department may consider six items of information.

When evaluating a proposed wildlife connectivity action under this chapter, the department may consult with relevant federal entities. If a proposed wildlife connectivity action will be located on the right-of-way of an existing state highway, the department is required to consult with the Department of Transportation in the course of its evaluation process.

Section 1958 authorizes the department to adopt guidelines and criteria to aid in the implementation of this chapter. These guidelines are required to be posted on the department’s internet website.