Lake and Streambed Alteration (LSA) Program
For more information about the Lake and Streambed Alteration Program, please visit the LSA Program page.
To review frequently asked questions, visit the LSA Questions and Answers page.
Lake and Streambed Alteration Chapter of Fish and Game Code
The Legislature finds and declares that the protection and conservation of the fish and wildlife resources of this state are of utmost public interest. Fish and wildlife are the property of the people and provide a major contribution to the economy of the state, as well as providing a significant part of the people’s food supply; therefore, their conservation is a proper responsibility of the state. This chapter is enacted to provide conservation for these resources. (Fish & G. Code, §§ 1600–1617(opens in new tab))
Fees for Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements
CDFW may refuse to process a notification, a request for an extension, or a request for a minor or major amendment until the Department receives the proper fee(s). All fees shall be made to the Department by check, money order, or credit card. (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 699.5(opens in new tab))
California Environmental Quality Act
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is a statute that requires state and local agencies to identify the significant environmental impacts of their actions and to avoid or mitigate those impacts, if feasible. For more information, see the CEQA Statute & Guidelines(opens in new tab).
California Endangered Species Act
The California Endangered Species Act (CESA) states that all native species of fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, invertebrates, and plants, and their habitats, threatened with extinction and those experiencing a significant decline which, if not halted, would lead to a threatened or endangered designation, will be protected or preserved.
Surface Mining and Reclamation Act
The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act(opens in new tab) of 1975 (SMARA) provides a comprehensive surface mining and reclamation policy with the regulation of surface mining operations to assure that adverse environmental impacts are minimized and mined lands are reclaimed to a usable condition.
California Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
California Wild and Scenic Rivers Act(opens in new tab), it is the policy of the State of California that certain rivers which possess extraordinary scenic, recreational, fishery, or wildlife values shall be preserved in their free-flowing state, together with their immediate environments, for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of the state.
Federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System(opens in new tab) was created by Congress in 1968 (Public Law 90-542; 16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.) to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Act
The Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Act (HREA) of 2014 (Assembly Bill No. 2193) established a permitting process with CDFW for landowners, state and local government agencies, and conservation organizations wanting to implement small-scale, voluntary habitat restoration projects across California.