3480 Department of Conservation
Program Descriptions

2420 - GEOLOGIC HAZARDS AND MINERAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION

This program evaluates, assesses and maps the State's geologic and seismologic hazards, such as earthquakes, landslides, tsunami and volcanic eruption threats, and hazardous minerals exposures, in order to protect the public health and safety and the natural environment; analyzes the State's mineral assets and maps its mineral resources. Information is used by Federal, State, and local government agencies, industries and individual businesses, and the public to make informed decisions about land use, seismic safety, and mineral development.

2425 - OIL, GAS, AND GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES

This program regulates the drilling, operation, and abandonment of oil, natural gas, and geothermal wells to protect the environment, prevent pollution, and ensure public safety. The state is fully reimbursed for program expenditures by annual assessments and fees on the respective industries. Approximately 500 companies operate over 88,000 wells in California for the production of oil, natural gas, and geothermal resources.

2430 - LAND RESOURCE PROTECTION

This program protects agricultural farmland and open space through various financial incentives. Under the Williamson Act, landowners who agree to keep their property undeveloped for at least ten years receive lower property tax assessments. The California Farmland Conservancy Program provides grants to local governments and nonprofit land trusts for the acquisition of agricultural conservation easements that permanently remove development rights, and therefore development pressure, from agricultural lands. The Farmland Mapping Program of the Land Resource Protection program develops maps, statistics, and reports relating to farmland conversion, farmland inventory and land protection to assist in local land use decisions.

2435 - MINE RECLAMATION

This program regulates active surface mining operations and monitors local lead agencies to ensure compliance with the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975. It assists cities, counties, state agencies, and mine operators in their efforts to reclaim mined lands to beneficial uses. This program also compiles an inventory of the state's estimated 47,000 abandoned mines and remediates abandoned mine hazards to protect public safety.

2440 - STATE MINING AND GEOLOGY BOARD

The Board serves as a regulatory and policy body for the State's geology, geologic and seismologic hazards, conservation of mineral resources, and reclamation of mined lands. The Department's California Geological Survey and the Office of Mine Reclamation provide the engineering, technical expertise, and support functions for the reports, plans, and maps which the Board approves. The Board also serves as an appeals body for mining operations that have been issued notices of violations or orders to comply, and disputes with local lead agencies.