California Department of Conservation

The California Department of Conservation is California's conservator.

The Department safeguards farmland so we are fed; oversees our oil wells to safely give us energy and keep our waters clean; studies earthquakes and landslides so we are safe; manages California's earth resources so we are more self-reliant in meeting our energy needs; and promotes recycling so we have fewer resources going to landfills and more resources for jobs.

With a team of geologists, engineers, seismologists, scientists and other dedicated professionals, the Department plays a key role in decision-making for public safety; sustainable economic development; land-use planning, and resource management conservation. In fact, the Department's accomplishments in these areas are so respected that people from around the world--most recently China, Japan and Russia--come to learn about conservation.

The Department also provides data needed for informed land-use and emergency response planning decisions. Information gathered, analyzed and distributed by the Department is used by the public and private sectors to develop sound building codes and improve building design to withstand the effects of strong earthquake shaking.

Prepared by the Department, earthquake fault maps and landslide maps are used by local governments to make wise decisions on construction and land use along active faults and areas of potential landslides. Over 2,000 linear miles of active faults and 3,000 square miles of landslide areas have been mapped to date.

Public safety and environmental standards are also maintained by the Department's team of scientists and engineers who review environmental documents for proposed development projects and their onsite oil field inspections.

To ensure erosion protection while allowing for the successful harvesting of timber, the Department reviews timber harvest plans prepared by timber companies.

Californians may also enjoy hiking, camping or fishing as a result of the Williamson Act. These are just some activities private owners provide on open-space lands protected by the Act.

The Department helps guard not just the land but the wildlife and plants that live there. The Department has programs to protect natural habitat through its supervision of mine reclamation and oil production and drilling.

We must know what and where our resources are before we can guard them. The Department of Conservation champions natural resources conservation in this way. For example, the Department's mineral scientists and geologists identify and map mineral deposits to ensure land-use decisions allow for sufficient supplies of these minerals in the future.

And as the state's population increases, the need for careful land use also increases. The Department of Conservation's land-use and conservation programs help address this need through farmland mapping.

But ensuring farmland protection is not enough. Programs must be in place so the soil is kept rich and sustainable. That's why the Department is working toward an active program of soil conservation.

For example, the Department's technical review of mine reclamation plans helps ensure currently mined lands will eventually be able to sustain recreation, agriculture, residential or industrial development and other sustainable uses.

The Department helps ensure safe underground and surface water while encouraging good conservation and engineering practices for oil, gas and geothermal resource production. The Department requires proper oil well plugging and abandonment procedures and other measures that prevent pollution.

Through its beverage container recycling program, the Department encourages Californians to reduce waste and recycle materials for other uses. "Recycle, reduce and reuse" is the vital conservation ethic practiced by more and more Californians. The Department is now focusing on "closing the loop." This means moving beyond recycling to include purchasing recycled products. This way, a need is created for recycled material and jobs are created by facilitating new markets for recycled beverage containers.

Californians can learn more about recycling by calling the Department's toll-free hotline 1 (800) RECYCLE.

Division of Mines and Geology: Generates and interprets complex mineral resource and geological hazard issues affecting the safety and economic well-being of Californians. More than l00 years old, Mines and Geology is the oldest continuous state geological survey in the United States and boasts an impressive team of earth scientists, engineers and technicians.

California mining produced an estimated $2.5 billion in mineral resources in 1992. Mineral extraction accounts for directly employing more than 10,000 Californians with thousands of others indirectly employed by the industry.

State Mining and Geology Board: Sets policy for the conservation and development of mineral resources and the state's interests in geology and geologic hazards. The Board also sets and maintains state policy for surface mining and reclamation practices by authority of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975. These policies guide local governments as they work with one of the largest and most diversified mining industries in the country.

California State Mining and Mineral Museum: Showcases the state's official gem and mineral collection. Over 20,000 rare gems, mineral specimens and historical mining exhibits can be seen at the museum located about 2 miles south of Mariposa on historic Highway 49, southwest of Yosemite National Park.

Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources: Works with oil, gas and geothermal producers to safeguard Californians, the environment and our energy resources. The Division supervises the drilling, operation, maintenance and abandonment of oil, gas and geothermal wells in the state.

California is the fourth largest oil-producer in the nation, with over 90,000 operating wells. In 1992, more than $6 billion in energy resources were produced in California. More than 70,000 California jobs are supported by oil and gas production in the state. Thousands of Californians are employed by geothermal production, oil refining and other related industries.

Division of Recycling: Administers the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act. Charged with a goal for recycling 80 percent of the 13 billion beverage containers sold in California every year, this challenge was surpassed in 1991. Recycling currently employs more than 5,000 Californians. This figure is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Office of Land Conservation: Monitors and protects California's farmland and soil resources by administering the California Land Conservation (Williamson) Act. This program is critical in conserving California's $18 billion a year agriculture industry, one of the state's largest, and responsible for approximately 10 percent of California's workforce. The Office of Land Conservation conducts a statewide inventory of agricultural land for local governments to use as a valuable tool for land-use planning.

Contacts for more information on the California Department of Conservation

To the CERES Homepage

Please E-mail your comments: