DOC Tribal Affairs

NAtive American Basket Weave Pattern

Our Commitment to Tribal Nations

The California Department of Conservation (DOC) honors and respects the inherent sovereignty of California Native American tribes. We recognize that tribal knowledge and leadership are vital to the responsible management and protection of California's environment.

Recognizing that California tribes have been caretakers of these lands since time immemorial, we strive to ensure that tribal voices are heard, respected, and reflected in our policies, programs, and decisions.

We are committed to building and maintaining meaningful, respectful, and transparent government-to-government relationships with tribal nations across the state that is guided by collaboration, cultural sensitivity and respect, and shared stewardship of California's landscapes and natural resources.

Through ongoing engagement, consultation, and relationship-building, the Department is dedicated to advancing equity, honoring tribal sovereignty, and fostering partnerships with California tribes.

For more information or to connect with Conservation's Tribal Liaison, please reach out to Crystal Blue (Miwok/Nisenan) at Crystal.Blue@conservation.ca.gov or TribalAffairs@conservation.ca.gov

Left: Roundhouse, Chaw'se Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park
Right: Grinding Rock, Chaw'se Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park

Division of Land Resource Protection (DLRP) - Resources Relating To Grants

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Resources from The Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM)

CalGEM Permitting & Compliance FAQ
SB 1137 "Health Protection Zones" FAQ
CEQA - CalGEM Homepage - CalGEM's CEQA unit ensures compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act by conducting reviews and collaborating with government agencies and the public to mitigate environmental impacts from oil, gas, and geothermal development

CEQA Process and Projects

Additional Dept of Conservation Resources

DOC Policies: Tribal Consultation & Engagement Policy (Coming Soon)

Mapping & Data Resources:

SB 1137 Map: Health Protection Zones (New Tribal Reservations & Allotments Layer)
Map of Historical California Pre-Contact Tribal Territories
NAHC's Digital Atlas of CA Native Americans

Tribal Notices of Public Comment Periods

June 5, 2026 -  Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Program’s Draft Climate Bond Guidelines:

The Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Program’s Draft Climate Bond Guidelines are available for public comment. DOC invites input and feedback on the draft language over the next 45 days. Draft language may change in response to feedback provided during this period.

Important Dates:

June 5, 2026: Draft Guidelines released for public comment
June-July 2026: Workshops and public engagement events to receive input on draft language. Public Workshop registration links will be posted here when available.  
July 21st, 2026: Public comment period closes 
July-August 2026:  DOC reviews comments and incorporates edits where feasible 
August 31st*: Final Guidelines released

*Date subject to change

Comments can be submitted to rffc@conservation.ca.gov and must be received by 11:59 p.m. on July 21st, 2026.  

Workshops and Office Hours:

DOC’s Tribal Affairs Office is hosting two Tribal Roundtables on June 23 and June 24 on behalf of the RFFC program. California Native American tribal representatives can register here: 

Tuesday, June 23 1-3 PM:  https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/rMmgDy46S9aDspY6iU1tXA 
Wednesday, June 24 10 AM-12PM:  https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/w92EVwTSSJeVd1uYdSsGUA

 Additional Workshops will be scheduled soon. Registration information will be posted here when available.

RFFC Program Staff will host weekly office hours on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. during the public comment period. Join the meeting here: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/257100112391244?p=3GTIRWZRKGQn41UL4Y 

Resources:

Additional supplemental documents can be emailed to you through our File Request system - please follow the links below and enter your email address:

Other materials, including the grant agreement, are still under development and will be posted here when available.

Prop 4 Climate Bond:

The Climate Bond invests $10 billion in local projects that strengthen communities -- protecting drinking water, reducing wildfire and flood risks, restoring natural places, supporting healthy working lands, and expanding access to parks and outdoor spaces. Of that $10 billion, $185 million has been allocated to RFFC to be allocated over the next seven years.   

Information Sharing

March 2025 - Federal Update from the Department of Interior's Office of Environmental Policy, and Compliance:

Abandoned Hardrock Mine Reclamation (AHMR) Program funding is available to inventory, assess, decommission, reclaim, respond to hazardous substance releases on, and remediate hardrock (non-coal) abandoned mines.