Mitigation Credit Agreements (MCAs)

MCA Overview

A Mitigation Credit Agreement (MCA) is a flexible, advance mitigation crediting mechanism that can only be developed within an approved Regional Conservation Investment Strategy (RCIS) boundary (view the Interactive Map for locations of RCISs that have been approved, as well as RCISs that are in development or review). Any individual or entity may develop an MCA as an MCA Sponsor. In order to create mitigation credits an MCA must implement one or more conservation or habitat enhancement actions described in the RCIS. The projected ecological improvements can create credits for a variety of targeted species, habitats, and/or other sensitive resources. The MCA Sponsor can use MCA credits to offset their own project impacts, or they can sell their excess credits to other entities that need mitigation. MCAs can generate credits that will mitigate for both permanent or temporary impacts and can be established on either private or public lands. Permanent credits must ensure the permanent protection of land. Non-permanent credits (for temporary impacts) may be possible when the associated land is protected for a set duration of time. If desired, MCA credits may be labeled, or designated, so they may be used by other local, state or federal agencies that need specific credit types specified in their permits. In order to create credits that can be used by multiple agencies the sponsor should coordinate with those entities early in the MCA development process. All MCA credits will be tracked as they are used and/or sold. All credit transactions and record keeping will be maintained on CDFW’s website.

MCA Resources

The following templates, checklists, and websites relate to MCAs.

• 2023 RCIS Program Guidelines (PDF)
• RCIS Interactive Map - MCAs must occur within an approved RCIS area.
• Presentation Recording: MCAs, Public Webinar, October 2024 (Video)
• MCA Public Webinar Slide Deck (PDF)
• RCIS Program Fees (PDF) - MCA fees begin on page 5.
• MCA Template (Word)
• MCA Checklist (PDF) - A list of components necessary for an MCA to be considered “complete.”
• Framework Checklist (PDF) - A list of minimum requirements for sponsors interested in preparing a mitigation framework.
• MCA Credit Receipt Template (Appendix W of the MCA) (PDF) - Required documentation for each credit transaction including sale, use, and return of MCA credits.
• Land Survey Reference Guide (PDF)- Reference document for land surveyor-prepared products (legal descriptions, boundaries, etc.) submitted with land packages for proposed MCA sites.
• Endowments and Mitigation Land Management - Endowment holder criteria and requirements.
• Mitigation Lands Entity Due Diligence - CDFW review process for proposed land managers, and Conservation Easement grantees (if applicable) associated with the MCA.
• CDFW's Template for Property Assessment Warranty (PAW) (Word)*
• Letter of Credit (LOC) Template (Word)*
• Conservation Easement (CE) Template (Word)*

*Please note, these documents need manual replacing of the word “bank” with “MCA”, and replacing “BEI” with “MCA” in the referenced templates.

MCAs In Development

As MCAs are submitted they will be included in a table below.

Program Contact

For more information on MCAs, contact the RCIS Program Team at RCIS@wildlife.ca.gov. Click the "Subscribe" button at the top of the page to sign up for updates about MCAs.