News

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Anniversary of the 1933 Long Beach EarthquakeOn March 10, 1933, a large earthquake tore through the city of Long Beach, prompting the California State Legislature to pass the Field Act.https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/Pages/Earthquakes/LongBeach.aspx, /cgs/Pages/Earthquakes/LongBeach.aspx2020-03-09T07:05:00Z
Celebrate Geologic Map Day on October 19!Geologic Map Day focuses the attention of students, teachers, and the general public on the creation, study, uses, and significance of geologic maps. We invite you to explore our collection of digital geologic maps at https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/geology/https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/geology/, https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/geology/2019-10-18T15:00:00Z
CGS announces five new Official Seismic Hazard Zone mapsSeismic Hazard Zones are areas that have potential for ground deformation caused by liquefaction or landslides. Areas affected by this release are in Contra Costa and San Mateo counties; click/tap the image for more information.https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/official-releases, CGS Official Releases page2019-04-04T07:00:00Z
Nearly $2 Million in Grants Issued to Protect and Restore State ForestsEight organizations have received $1.85 million in grants to hire watershed coordinators who will build local capacity to improve forest health.https://www.conservation.ca.gov/index/Pages/News/State-Issues-Nearly-$2-Million-in-Grants--to-Build-Local-Capacity-to-Protect-and-Restore-State-Forests.aspx, https://authoring.consrv.ca.gov/index/Pages/News/State-Issues-Nearly-$2-Million-in-Grants--to-Build-Local-Capacity-to-Protect-and-Restore-State-Forests.aspx2019-03-21T21:00:00Z
New Regulations for Idle Oil and Gas Wells to Safeguard Public, EnvironmentDOC announces final approval of new regulations that will protect the environment and ensure that the oil and gas industry is financially responsible for testing, remediating, and, if necessary, permanently sealing idle oil and gas wells. The new regulations will become effective April 1. https://www.conservation.ca.gov/index/Pages/News/State-Issues-New-Regulations-for-Idle-Oil-and-Gas-Wells-to-Safeguard-Public-and-Environment.aspx, https://www.conservation.ca.gov/index/Pages/News/State-Issues-New-Regulations-for-Idle-Oil-and-Gas-Wells-to-Safeguard-Public-and-Environment.aspx2019-03-21T18:00:00Z
DOW R.G.C. 10 ("Marina del Rey") Well Remediation UpdatesState and local officials continue to oversee efforts to remediate an old oil well in Marina del Rey that briefly sprayed a mist of natural gas, water, and mud into the atmosphere during a routine operation on January 11, 2019. https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dog/Pages/DOW-RGC10-well.aspx, https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dog/Pages/DOW-RGC10-well.aspx2019-03-19T22:00:00Z
Improving California WatershedsA new Sierra Institute report backed by DOC says the state’s investment in community-based watershed initiatives sparked “institutional evolution.” California’s watersheds and their ecosystems provide vital clean water, abundant timber resources, habitat for thousands of species, and scenic beauty.https://sierrainstitute.us/watershed-program-study-officially-released-by-the-california-department-of-conservation/, https://sierrainstitute.us/watershed-program-study-officially-released-by-the-california-department-of-conservation/2019-03-01T21:00:00Z
California's Exposure to Volcanic HazardsA new report states that eruptions are as likely as big earthquakes on the San Andreas Fault in the Bay Area. The USGS is the principal author; the California Geological Survey and Governor’s Office of Emergency Services contributed.https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/sir20185159?fbclid=IwAR0J1tzi3-e3pZtTkmJOCUu52m9hBdTf-FtJSpwlIUupBvG3ooiuCqaOBAw, https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/sir20185159?fbclid=IwAR0J1tzi3-e3pZtTkmJOCUu52m9hBdTf-FtJSpwlIUupBvG3ooiuCqaOBAw2019-02-27T00:00:00Z
Santa Clara County Makes Ag Land Conservation a PriorityOur Division of Land Resource Protection is helping to make Santa Clara county more sustainable through Sustainable Ag Lands Conservation planning grants. Read more in our blog, Notes from the Field. https://calconservation.blog/2019/02/22/santa-clara-county-makes-ag-conservation-a-priority/, https://calconservation.blog/2019/02/22/santa-clara-county-makes-ag-conservation-a-priority/2019-02-22T18:00:00Z
Notes from the Field: There's Nothing Like a Picture Head over to our blog to learn how our Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources uses the latest technology to detect & prevent leaks at California's natural gas storage facilities.https://calconservation.blog/2019/02/21/theres-nothing-like-a-picture/, https://calconservation.blog/2019/02/21/theres-nothing-like-a-picture/2019-02-21T20:00:00Z
DOGGR Southern District Office Address ChangeAs of February 11, 2019, the new address for the Southern District office is: 3780 Kilroy Airport Way, Suite 400, Long Beach, California 90806 https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dog/Pages/doggr_contacts.aspx, DOGGR Southern District Office new address2019-02-19T21:00:00Z
Celebrating Women in Science DayIn honor of National Women in Science Day on February 11, we asked a few of our own what inspired them to go into the field of science. Read the blog post for more.https://calconservation.blog/2019/02/11/docs-women-in-science-making-a-difference/, https://calconservation.blog/2019/02/11/docs-women-in-science-making-a-difference/2019-02-12T01:00:00Z
New Underground Injection Control Regulations ApprovedNew regulations for the use of underground injection control (UIC) become effective April 1. This is the latest in a series of regulatory updates to ensure the protection of public safety and the environment as oil and gas are produced in California.https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dog/general_information/Pages/UndergroundinjectionControl(UIC).aspx, https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dog/general_information/Pages/UndergroundinjectionControl(UIC).aspx2019-02-11T21:00:00Z
California State Geologist Position VacancyThe State Mining and Geology Board and the Department of Conservation are accepting applications for the position of State Geologist. The California State Geologist serves as the head of the California Geological Survey (CGS), one of the largest state surveys in the nation.https://www.conservation.ca.gov/smgb/Pages/state-geologist-position.aspx, California State Geologist Position Vacancy2019-02-01T16:00:00Z
DOGGR Revises CEQA Operator ChecklistThe newly revised CEQA Operator Checklist simplifies CEQA documentation by reducing the number of forms required. There is now a single form for multiple projects of the same type in the same well field.ftp://ftp.consrv.ca.gov/pub/oil/CEQA/Oil%26Gas/ceqa-operator-checklist.pdf, ftp://ftp.consrv.ca.gov/pub/oil/CEQA/Oil%26Gas/ceqa-operator-checklist.pdf2019-01-23T00:00:00Z
DOC Team Receives Prestigious CAL FIRE AwardSeveral staff recently earned CAL FIRE's for Superior Accomplishment award for their emergency post-fire mapping efforts during the tragic Thomas fire and ensuing mudslide in Montecito last year. Read more at our blog, Notes from the Field.https://calconservationblog.wordpress.com/2019/01/17/cal-fire-awards-cross-divisional-team-for-work-on-thomas-fire/, https://calconservationblog.wordpress.com/2019/01/17/cal-fire-awards-cross-divisional-team-for-work-on-thomas-fire/2019-01-17T19:00:00Z
Calling all educators! We want to hear from you. We are working to adapt our earth science materials into lesson plans and are looking for educators interested in providing feedback. https://www.conservation.ca.gov/educators, https://www.conservation.ca.gov/educators2019-01-17T01:00:00Z
Scientists on the Front LineGet the facts on post-fire debris flow, including the difference between mudflows, mudslides, and landslides. California Geological Survey scientists are part of CAL FIRE-assembled teams that assess the potential for flooding and debris flows in areas impacted by recent wildfires.https://www.conservation.ca.gov/index/Pages/Fact-sheets/Post-Fire-Debris-Flow-Facts.aspx, https://www.conservation.ca.gov/index/Pages/Fact-sheets/Post-Fire-Debris-Flow-Facts.aspx2019-01-16T20:00:00Z
Funding Available for Ag Land ConservationThe Strategic Growth Council (SGC) has approved grant guidelines and is seeking applications for projects that protect agricultural land and reduce greenhouse gases.https://www.conservation.ca.gov/index/Pages/News/Funding-Available-for-Ag-Land-Conservation.aspx, https://www.conservation.ca.gov/index/Pages/News/Funding-Available-for-Ag-Land-Conservation.aspx2019-01-10T18:00:00Z
List of Mine Operators Who Can Sell Mined Materials to Public Agencies (AB 3098 List)Effective January 1, 2019, Assembly Bill 3257 clarifies the criteria the Division of Mine Reclamation must use for generating and maintaining a purchase-preference list which state and local governments must refer to when acquiring sand, gravel, aggregate and other mined materials from mining operations subject to the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975. The list, often referred as the “AB 3098 List,” now covers only newly permitted, active and idle mines. Please click the link above for more information on the criteria that must be met for list-eligible operations. https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dmr/publications/Documents/AB 3257 Memo for DMR release.pdf, List of Mine Operators Who Can Sell Mined Materials to Public Agencies (AB 3098 List)2018-12-29T00:00:00Z
Watershed Coordinator Grant Guidelines IssuedThe Department of Conservation has released final guidelines for its Forest Health Watershed Coordinator Program. Applications for nearly $2 million will be accepted through February 15. The program’s goal: to address local needs in improving forest health. https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/watershed/Pages/Index.aspx, https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/watershed/Pages/Index.aspx2018-12-07T23:40:00Z
2018 Mine Inspector Training SuccessIn its inaugural year, our new statewide mine inspector training program successfully certified 134 inspectors; 42 of 96 local lead agencies in the state have at least one certified inspector. More training is slated in 2019, get the full schedule details here.https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dmr/workshops/Pages/current_schedule.aspx, 2018 Mine Inspector Training Success2018-12-03T22:00:00Z
Keali'i Bright to Lead Division of Land Resource ProtectionKeali’i Bright brings an extensive background in California natural resources and environmental policy development to DOC as assistant director of our land resource protection division.https://www.conservation.ca.gov/index/Pages/News/kealiibright-to-lead-dlrp.aspx, https://authoring.consrv.ca.gov/index/Pages/News/kealiibright-to-lead-dlrp.aspx2018-12-03T17:00:00Z
SALC Program Awards $48 Million for Ag EasementsCap-and-trade funded program will conserve approximately 10,721 acres of high-value and productive agricultural land through 17 easements in 13 counties. https://www.conservation.ca.gov/index/Pages/News/SALC-Conserves-More-Ag-Land-for-Climate-Benefits.aspx, https://www.conservation.ca.gov/index/Pages/News/SALC-Conserves-More-Ag-Land-for-Climate-Benefits.aspx2018-11-28T22:00:00Z
SALC Program Funds Permanently Protecting Oest RanchThe Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation (SALC) program - administered by the Strategic Growth Council and DOC - completed an agricultural conservation easement on a 314-acre portion of a cattle ranch in Placer County operated by the same family since the 1850s. Read more about SALC.https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/SALCP, https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/SALCP2018-11-27T23:00:00Z
Status of Proposed Underground Injection Control, Idle Well Regulations The Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources is completing two proposed regulatory packages: underground injection control and idle wells. Read rulemaking documents here.http://www.consrv.ca.gov/index/Pages/rulemaking.aspx, http://www.consrv.ca.gov/index/Pages/rulemaking.aspx2018-11-16T17:20:00Z
SALC Draft Guidelines Public Comment Period is Now OpenThe public comment period for the draft 2018-2019 Sustainable Agricultural Land Conservation (SALC) Program guidelines is now open. Public comments will be accepted until 5:00 pm on December 3, 2018. For additional information on how to comment, please visit our Stakeholder Feedback page. https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/SALCP/Pages/Stakeholder-Feedback.aspx, http://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/SALCP/Pages/Stakeholder-Feedback.aspx2018-11-02T22:00:00Z
State Geologist Position Opening The State Mining and Geology Board and the Department of Conservation are accepting applications for the position of State Geologist. The California State Geologist serves as the head of the California Geological Survey (CGS), one of the largest state surveys in the nation.https://www.conservation.ca.gov/smgb/Pages/state-geologist-position.aspx, http://www.conservation.ca.gov/smgb/Pages/state-geologist-position.aspx2018-11-02T16:30:00Z
Comment on Well Construction StandardsThe Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources is holding two public meetings on well construction standards: November 1 in Bakersfield (noon, Four Points by Sheraton) and November 2 in Los Angeles (9 a.m., Ronald Reagan State Building). http://conservation.ca.gov/dog/Pages/Well-Construction.aspx, DOGGR Seeks Public Comments2018-10-23T18:00:00Z
Draft Oil and Gas Regulations Under ReviewThe Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources is assessing public input received on proposed new rules for underground injection control and idle wells.https://www.conservation.ca.gov/index/Pages/rulemaking.aspx, http://www.conservation.ca.gov/index/Pages/rulemaking.aspx2018-10-22T23:45:00Z
150th Anniversary of the Hayward Fault earthquakeCGS is participating in this free event that features tours of the Hayward Fault, science zone, preparedness zones, music, activities for families, and more. Details and registration link in our blog post wrapping up earthquake events for the month.https://calconservationblog.wordpress.com/2018/10/01/october-is-earthquake-month-at-the-california-department-of-conservation/, https://calconservationblog.wordpress.com/2018/10/01/october-is-earthquake-month-at-the-california-department-of-conservation/2018-10-21T22:00:00Z
Designation of Mineral Lands in Western San Diego CountyThe SMGB will hold a public hearing on November 5, 2018, to solicit public input on the proposed designation, and termination of designation, of mineral lands in the Western San Diego County Production-Consumption Region. Click/tap for further information.https://www.conservation.ca.gov/smgb/Pages/Western-SD-Designation.aspx, http://www.conservation.ca.gov/smgb/Pages/Western-SD-Designation.aspx2018-10-17T17:00:00Z
Seismic Hazards Shown in San Mateo, Contra Costa CountiesCalifornia Geological Survey today issued five Preliminary Seismic Hazard Zone maps covering portions of Contra Costa and San Mateo counties.http://www.consrv.ca.gov/cgs/preliminary-releases, http://www.consrv.ca.gov/cgs/preliminary-releases2018-10-04T15:00:00Z
DOC Launches New Audience-Focused Website and LogoToday we re-launched our website with a new logo and site built to connect users to the wealth of natural resources data and services they use most. Read more and provide your feedback on our new experience.https://www.conservation.ca.gov/index/Pages/News/websiterelaunch.aspx, https://www.conservation.ca.gov/index/Pages/News/websiterelaunch.aspx2018-10-02T12:00:00Z
Great California ShakeOut is ComingAre you ready to shake? About 6.6 million Californians already have registered for the Great California Shakeout earthquake drill. Practice how to drop, cover, and hold on in the event of a big quake at 10:18 a.m. on October 18. http://shakeout.org/california/index.html, Statewide Earthquake Drill Set for October 182018-10-01T23:00:00Z
​​​​Rulemaking ​Package #4 (a), Financial Assurance Cost Estimate (FACE) AppealsThe SMGB will commence a formal 45-day public comment period for revisions to Article 7 of Title 14, Division 2, Chapter 8, Subchapter 1 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), pertaining to Financial Assurance Cost Estimate (FACE) appeals.https://www.conservation.ca.gov/smgb/Pages/Rulemaking/Package-4 (a).aspx, http://www.conservation.ca.gov/smgb/Pages/Rulemaking/Package-4 (a).aspx2018-09-28T23:00:00Z
​​​​​​Rulemaking ​Package #3 - Inspections, Inspection Report Form, and NOCIThe SMGB will commence a formal 45-day public comment period for revisions to Article 1 of Title 14, Division 2, Chapter 8, Subchapter 1 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), pertaining to conduct of surface mine inspections. https://www.conservation.ca.gov/smgb/Pages/Rulemaking/Package-3.aspx, http://www.conservation.ca.gov/smgb/Pages/Rulemaking/Package-3.aspx2018-09-28T23:00:00Z
Geothermal Rulemaking StatusThe DOGGR Geothermal Section is formalizing language and reviewing rulemaking documents for executive assessment of proposed, updated regulations.https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dog/geothermal, https://authoring-stage.consrv.ca.gov/dog/geothermal2018-09-21T23:00:00Z
CGS Scientists Map Burned AreaOne of the many services provided by the California Geological Survey is post-wildfire assessment of the potential for mudslides. Working with CAL FIRE, CGS sent a crew of geologists to Riverside County to map potential hazards following the recent Holy Fire. https://www.conservation.ca.gov/Documents/2015 CGS post-fire landslide reponse.pdf, http://www.conservation.ca.gov/Documents/2015 CGS post-fire landslide reponse.pdf2018-09-17T19:00:00Z
Agricultural Resilience Symposium in DavisDOC & UC Davis will sponsor a symposium on an important topic -- "Managing Lands in a Changing Climate to Improve Agricultural Resiliency, Food Security and Health" -- Sept. 10 in Davis. The symposium is affiliated with the Global Climate Action Summit.https://globalclimateactionsummit.ucdavis.edu/, DOC, UC Davis Host Climate Change Conference Sept. 102018-08-31T07:00:00Z
Transformative Climate Communities Grants AvailableGrants that empower the communities most impacted by pollution to choose their own goals, strategies, and projects to enact transformational change are now available, DOC and the Strategic Growth Council announced.http://sgc.ca.gov/news/2018/08-15.html, TCC Funding to Improve Communities2018-08-17T07:00:00Z
Public Meetings Slated in Bakersfield, L.A.Public comments about proposed regulations for two areas of oil and gas production -- underground injection control and idle wells -- are now being accepted. Meetings will be held Sept. 12 in Bakersfield and Sept. 13 in Los Angeles. https://www.conservation.ca.gov/index/Documents/news/2018-08 State Proposes New Oil and Gas Regulations.pdf, Upcoming Meetings on Oil & Gas Regulations2018-08-16T07:00:00Z
Next SMGB Meeting is September 13The next meeting of the State Mining and Geology Board is 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. September 13 in Assembly hearing room 444 at the Capitol. https://www.conservation.ca.gov/smgb/agendas/Pages/2018-Meeting-Schedule.aspx, Board Meeting Set at Capitol2018-08-07T07:00:00Z
Pablo Garza appointed to State Mining and Geology BoardPablo Garza, of Sacramento, has been appointed to the State Mining and Geology Board. Mr. Garza has been California Political Director for the Ecosystems Program at the Environmental Defense Fund since 2017. http://www.conservation.ca.gov/smgb/boardroster/Pages/PabloGarza.aspx, http://www.conservation.ca.gov/smgb/boardroster/Pages/PabloGarza.aspx2018-08-06T23:00:00Z
September 1 Deadline for Ag Easement Funds About ​​​$1.3 million in funding is available for agricultural conservation easement acquisitions under ​​the California Farmland Conservancy Program. The application deadline is September 1.https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/cfcp, Deadline for CFCP Funding is September 12018-08-06T07:00:00Z
August 15 Aquifer Exemption Meeting in CoalingaState regulators will hold a public meeting on August 15 in Coalinga to receive comments about a proposed aquifer exemption expansion in a Fresno County oil field. The public comment deadline is 5 p.m. Aug. 15.https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dog/Pages/Aquifer_Exemptions.aspx2018-08-06T07:00:00Z
State Regulators Propose New Oil and Gas RegulationsDOC today announced proposed regulations to increase environmental safeguards in two areas of oil and gas production: underground injection control and idle wells.https://www.conservation.ca.gov/index/Documents/news/2018-08 State Proposes New Oil and Gas Regulations.pdf, State Regulators Propose New Oil and Gas Regulations2018-07-27T07:00:00Z
Agricultural Resilience Symposium in DavisDOC & UC Davis will sponsor a symposium on an important topic -- "Managing Lands in a Changing Climate to Improve Agricultural Resiliency, Food Security and Health" -- Sept. 10 in Davis. The symposium is affiliated with the Global Climate Action Summit.http://cevs.ucdavis.edu/confreg/index.cfm?confid=995&webid=4663, DOC, UC Davis Plan Conference Sept. 102018-07-18T07:00:00Z
State Oil and Gas Regulators Form Office of EnforcementDOC launches an Office of Enforcement within its Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR) to enhance compliance with public safety and environmental regulations and the administration of enforcement actions.https://www.conservation.ca.gov/index/Documents/news/2018-07 new DOGGR enforcement unit announced.pdf, State Oil and Gas Regulators Form Office of Enforcement2018-07-16T07:00:00Z
2018 update to Map Sheet 52 [Aggregate Sustainability in California]Aggregate materials are essential to modern society. Map Sheet 52 summarizes projected aggregate needs and currently permitted reserves.https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/Documents/Publications/MS_52_California_Aggregates_ReleaseStatement_201807.pdf, View/download the release statement (PDF document)2018-07-16T07:00:00Z

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