Gov. Pete Wilson has signed into law a series of bills that enhance biodiversity conservation and the progressive stewardship of California's natural and cultural resources.
"Two years ago, Governor Wilson outlined a vision for preventive, consensus-based resource protection rooted in science and ecosystem management that is called 'Resourceful California.' These new laws help to achieve several important components of that agenda," said Douglas P. Wheeler, Secretary for Resources.
SB 445 by Senator William Craven, R-Oceanside, authorizes the establishment and financing of Habitat Maintenance Assessment Districts. Created and funded by cities and counties, the districts are designed to acquire and manage wildlife habitats in conjunction with the California Department of Fish and Game.
The measure will help to provide a broader-based funding source for the Natural Communities Conservation Planning (NCCP) program in Southern California, and for all communities statewide.
The governor also signed SB 730 by Senator Patrick Johnston, D-Stockton, which allows the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors to take a series of actions, including calling an election to form a regional park and open-space district. The new law gives the county a way to overcome reduced park funding that has hindered efforts to acquire open space.
AB 2007 , by Assemblywoman Dierdre Alpert, D-Coronado, provides for similar park funding in San Diego County and allows the proceedings necessary to form a regional park and open-space district.
Wilson also signed SB 936 by Senator Dan McCorquodale, D-Modesto, which establishes a wetlands mitigation bank program in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley that is to be administered by the Department of Fish and Game. The program will protect, restore and expand wetlands in the Central Valley.
Administrative costs will be covered by individuals or companies that have received fill permits under Section 404 of the Federal Clean Water Act.