Programs to conserve California's farmland & open space resources
Californians make their home amidst some of the most productive farmland and diverse open spaces in the world. The Department of Conservation's Division of Land Resource Protection (DLRP) works with landowners, local governments, and researchers to conserve these resources for everyone's future.
hot topics
Williamson Act Solar-use Easements - SB 618
Regulations to guide implementation of the legislation are in process. In summer 2012, an initial draft of the proposed regulations was released for comment by potentially affected stakeholders and the public. These comments and other refinements have been considered in subsequent months. The release of formal draft regulations is on target to occur in mid-2013.
Please see this page for more information.
New! CALIFORNIA IMPORTANT FARMLAND FINDER
An interactive version of the Important Farmland map data. Locate your area of interest, calculate acreage, and other useful features, using this online tool. Introductory material about the site and its features is also available.
Grant Programs
The Division of Land Resource Protection (DLRP) is administering two grant programs to assist local governments and nonprofits in achieving long-term resource management goals: the Sustainable Community Planning Incentive Grants and the Watershed Coordinator Grants. Both programs are funded through the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Act of 2006 (Proposition 84).
The Williamson Act
Current Topics - Solar Facilities Citing:
Solar Use Easements--SB 618 - Regulations to guide implementation of the legislation are in process. In summer 2012, an initial draft of the proposed regulations was released for comment by potentially affected stakeholders and the public. These comments and other refinements have been considered in subsequent months. The release of formal draft regulations is on target to occur in early 2013. Please see this page for more information.
Legislative text of SB 618 and technical materials are also available.
For more information, please contact the Williamson Act Program: dlrp@conservation.ca.gov.
Open Space Subventions: Open Space Subventions were eliminated as of the FY 2010-2011 budget. Effective July 15 2011, AB 1265 allows eligible counties to re-capture 10 percent of the property tax benefits provided to their owners of Williamson Act lands. Background on the legislation is available in this updated Advisory Statement (PDF).
conservation planning Tools
New! CALIFORNIA IMPORTANT FARMLAND FINDER
An interactive version of the Important Farmland map data. Locate your area of interest, calculate acreage, and other useful features, using this online tool.
Important Farmland Maps in PDF format
Full size maps for viewing your area of interest; new releases are posted regularly.
Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) Model
The LESA Model evaluates agricultural characteristics of specific sites, as indicated in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines.
Watershed Portal
The portal is a comprehensive information source, with technical and educational information, training materials, grant announcements, upcoming events, and other tools to help manage and protect California’s watersheds.