Welcome to the California Department of Conservation
DLRP

Land Resource Protection - Home 

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

photo of soil and sky

CFCP assists counties and regional organizations in meeting their conservation goals in 17 locations with agricultural easements

High priority orchards, vineyards, vegetable crop lands, alfalfa, and irrigated pastures were represented in a group of 17 agricultural conservation easements acquired using CFCP funds in 2011 and 2012.       

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).  

California Watershed Success Stories 

Watershed projects in California have resulted in positive impacts to water, air, and land resources.  Non-profit organizations, Resource Conservation Districts, consulting firms, and agencies have conducted watershed projects with grant funds and matching contributions.  The California Watershed Success Stories provide examples of what restoration methods were found to be effective, the problems encountered, and the solutions implemented.  We encourage the submission of additional Watershed Success Stories by contacting us at watershed@conservation.ca.gov  

 

 The Williamson Act

Status and Current Topics

Solar Facilities Citing:

Solar Use Easements--SB 618 implementation - A workshop to discuss implementation of SB 618 will occur on Friday, May 18 in Sacramento.  Please see the link for more information.

Legislative text of SB 618 and technical materials are also available. 

Considerations in Citing Solar Facilities on Land Enrolled in the Williamson Act
(PDF, updated 3/11/11)  For more information, please contact the Williamson Act Program: dlrp@conservation.ca.gov. 

Open Space Subventions: Open Space Subventions have been eliminated in 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). 

 

news and information

Easements and Land Conservation Status:

Summary of Agricultural Easements and Planning Projects Funded by CFCP 

The 2010 Williamson Act Status Report

Agricultural Land Use and Farmland Conversion:

2010 Important Farmland Maps and Statistics -- 
Newest releases: Mendocino, Modoc, and Tehama counties

The 2006-08 California Farmland Conversion Report

Legal and Policy Information:

CFCP legislation, effective January 2011 --
creates flexibility for conservation of 'whole farms'

Williamson Act information

Right to Farm Real Estate Disclosure --
2009 legislation relies on Important Farmland Maps to define agriculture in real estate transactions.

 

 

conservation planning Tools 

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.

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. 

Important Farmland Maps in PDF format
Full size maps for viewing your area of interest; new releases are posted regularly.

Urbanization Maps and Graphics
1984-2008 urbanization animation, Brentwood areaRegional maps depicting urban change and Important Farmland status for various parts of the state (PDF and animated GIF).