The Department of Conservation provides services and information that promote environmental health, economic vitality, informed land-use decisions and sound management of our state's natural resources.
california geological survey CELEBRATEs 150th ANNIVERSARY, ISSUES NEW MAPS
The CGS logo in 1860 (left) and now.
You may know that Mt. Whitney is the highest point in the state at 14,505 feet, but do you know where it got its name? The mountain is named in honor of Josiah D. Whitney, first full-time State Geologist of California.
First established in 1860 to provide information about gold mining, the California Geological Survey (CGS) celebrated the 150th anniversary of service to the residents of California in April.
Over the years, CGS has been known by a variety of names and its focus has evolved. While the Survey still analyzes and distributes information about minerals -- including classifying land by its mineral resource potential -- it has much more of a public safety mission these days.
To learn more about the history of CGS amd its current programs, click here.
As part of the commemoration of the anniversary, CGS has released two new important maps of California: a fault activity map and a new geologic map of the state. Printed versions of the maps can be ordered online.
News
- The Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR) will have an information booth and present a paper about the success of the wastewater injection project at The Geysers during the Geothermal Resources Council's 34th annual meeting, October 24-27 at the Sacramento Convention Center. DOGGR oversees the drilling, operation, maintenance, plugging, and abandonment of geothermal wells on state and private lands to ensure public safety and protect underground and surface waters. Want to know more about DOGGR's geothermal program?
- The Department of Conservation is introducing the new California Watershed Portal. The portal began as a joint effort of the Natural Resources Agency and the California Environmental Protection Agency. It has been transferred to DOC's Statewide Watershed Program, where it is being updated and redesigned. It is envisioned as a library of information about California's watersheds and their management. From maps to grant programs, from agency contacts to data, the portal provides watershed information and resources to agencies, organizations and the public. The portal will be updated on a frequent basis. Contact watershed@conservation.ca.gov with suggested additions and improvements.
- The Division of Land Resource Protection (DLRP) announces Requests for Proposals for the 2010 Watershed Coordinator Grants funded through the Proposition 84. DLRP anticipates that approximately $9 million will be awarded to support coordination in watershed management and local watershed improvements throughout the state.
- So, what was the Department of Conservation up to in 2009? You can read all about the achievements of DOC's four divisions here:
Division of Land Resource Protection
California Geological Survey
Office of Mine Reclamation
Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources
- To help gather vital data about earthquakes, the California Geological Survey (CGS) recently installed instruments on Pier T of the Port of Long Beach. The monitors are not an early warning system; they help make future construction more quake-resilient and help guide emergency response. The rest of the story...
DOC & THE STRATEGIC GROWTH COUNCIL
On behalf of the Strategic Growth Council, the Department of Conservation is administering a $22.3 million competitive planning grant program for sustainable community plans. A series of four workshops is being conducted in late July and early August to provide technical assistance in preparing grant applications (due, August 31) and vetting project proposals for eligibility and competitiveness. Click here for more information.