Wildlife resources: natural community conservation plans: public review and comment.
Impact
The update set forth by AB 878 reflects a proactive approach to wildlife conservation by ensuring that local agencies cooperatively engage with the Department of Fish and Wildlife. This amendment underscores the importance of public involvement in conservation efforts, as the extended review period allows citizens and stakeholders to provide more substantive input on projects that may impact local ecosystems. Enhancing public participation is a significant advancement in managing California's diverse wildlife and their habitats, aiming for strategies that are responsive to community concerns and environmental needs.
Summary
Assembly Bill 878, introduced by Assembly Member Megan Dahle, amends Section 2810 of the California Fish and Game Code. This legislation focuses on enhancing the framework for natural community conservation plans (NCCPs), which are agreements between the Department of Fish and Wildlife and various public entities to manage and conserve multiple species of wildlife. The bill specifically extends the public review period for proposed planning agreements from 21 calendar days to 21 business days, which is designed to enable better public engagement and input during the planning process.
Contention
While AB 878 generally aligns with the goals of public engagement and conservation, potential points of contention may arise regarding the balance of developer interests versus conservation priorities. Some stakeholders may argue that extending the review period could delay project timelines for development, especially in regions where economic activity relies heavily on swift permitting processes. On the other hand, proponents emphasize that more robust input from the community can lead to better well-rounded conservation strategies that ultimately benefit both wildlife and local economies.