California Geological Survey (CGS)
In April 1860 the California Legislature established the Geological Survey of California. Over the past 150+ years of service, the Survey’s missions have continued to evolve to meet the requirements of today’s dynamic California. Identified in today’s statutes as the California Geological Survey, it is one of the State’s oldest agencies, and the oldest division within the Department of Conservation.
Division of Land Resource Protection (DLRP)
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. The Division has oversight over the Williamson Act which protects agricultural resources, preserves open space land, and promotes efficient urban growth patterns.
Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR)
The Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources was formed in 1915 to address the needs of the state, local governments, and industry by regulating statewide oil and gas activities with uniform laws and regulations. The Division supervises the drilling, operation, maintenance, and plugging and
abandonment of onshore and offshore oil, gas, and geothermal wells, preventing damage to: life, health, property, and natural resources; underground and surface waters suitable for irrigation or domestic use; and oil, gas, and geothermal reservoirs. Division requirements encourage wise development of California’s oil, gas, and geothermal resources while protecting the environment.
Division of Mine Reclamation (DMR)
In 1991, following significant revisions to the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA), the Division of Mine Reclamation was created to provide a measure of oversight for local governments as they administer SMARA within their respective jurisdictions. To accomplish this goal, the Division of Mine Reclamation may provide comments to lead agencies on a mining operation’s reclamation plan and financial assurance and may initiate compliance actions that encourage SMARA compliance. While the primary focus is on existing mining operations and the return of those mined lands to a usable and safe condition, issues relating to abandoned legacy mines are addressed through the Abandoned Mine Lands program.
