Our Mission

The Division of Land Resource Protection (DLRP) provides information, maps, funding and technical assistance to local governments, consultants, Resource Conservation Districts and non-profit organizations statewide with the goal of conserving the state’s agricultural and natural resources. Our work is organized along two primary functions, Conservation Program Support and Financial Assistance. 

DLRP is led by John Lowrie, Acting Assistant Director; 916-324-0850; or via email dlrp@consrv.ca.gov. 

Conservation Program Support

This unit includes administration of the technical, scientific, and conservation aspects of DLRP:

• Williamson Act (Land Conservation Act of 1965, Open Space Subvention Program, and Farmland Security Zones)
• Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program
• California Farmland Conservancy Program (policy and technical aspects)
• RCD support

For questions regarding the Conservation Program Support unit, please contact Molly Penberth, 916-324-0859; or via each program's email address:  dlrp@consrv.ca.gov; fmmp@consrv.ca.gov; cfcp@consrv.ca.gov; or rcd@consrv.ca.gov. 

Financial Assistance Unit

This unit includes the administration of grant programs at DLRP:

• Sustainable Communities Planning Grants
• Watershed Coordinator Grants
• California Farmland Conservancy Program (fiscal aspects)

For questions regarding the Financial Assistance unit, please contact David Thesell, 916-324-0850; or via the program email addresses: SGCSustainablecommunities@conservation.ca.gov; watershed@consrv.ca.gov; cfcp@consrv.ca.gov.