Regional Conservation Investment Strategies

An RCIS can use a variety of existing information, including research and recovery plans for species and natural resources as well as projected development plans, to assess the area's existing conditions. An RCIS also includes guidance for the types and locations of conservation and mitigation projects that would provide ecological benefits to the area based on its existing conditions. Any pubic agency or federally recognized tribe may choose to propose an RCIS, which is developed in collaboration with local entities and stakeholders, and is reviewed and approved by CDFW. Once approved, an RCIS becomes publicly available and can be used by anyone to help identify conservation or mitigation projects. AN RCIS is a comprehensive guidance document, not a binding regulatory plan. RCISs are initially approved for 10 years but can be extended.

RCIS Submittals

RCIS Name Status Current Documents Proponent & Website
San Bernardino County RCIS Draft – the public review period is now open. Public comments may be submitted using any of the methods included in the Comment Submission Instructions (PDF) Complete RCIS (PDF) San Bernardino County Transportation Authority
SBC RCIS website
Santa Cruz County RCIS Final - Approved by CDFW Complete RCIS (PDF)(opens in new tab)
December 2022
Santa Cruz County Regional
Transportation Commission
SCC RCIS website
Kaweah Groundwater Subbasin RCIS Final - Approved by CDFW Complete RCIS (PDF)  
October 2022
East Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency
KGS RCIS website
Antelope Valley RCIS
Final - Approved by CDFW
Complete RCIS (PDF)  
January 2020
Desert and Mountain Conservation Authority
Monterey County RCIS Final - Approved by CDFW
Complete RCIS (PDF)  
July 2021
Transportation Agency for Monterey County
MC RCIS website
East Bay RCIS Final - Approved by CDFW Chapters (PDF)
Appendices (PDF)  
January 2021
California State Coastal Conservancy
Mid-Sacramento Valley RCIS
Final - Approved by CDFW Complete RCIS (PDF)  
December 2020
Reclamation District 108
Yolo RCIS
Final - Approved by CDFW Chapters (PDF)
Appendices (PDF)   
October 2020
Yolo Habitat Conservancy and CA Dept. of Water Resources
Santa Clara County RCIS Final - Approved by CDFW Complete RCIS (PDF)   
October 2019, amended November 2020
Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
SCC RCIS website

RCIS In Development

RCIS Name Status Proponent & Website
North Bay Baylands RCIS Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) grant awarded in May 2021; currently in development Bay Area Metro
San Joaquin Basin RCIS WCB grant awarded in November 2021; currently in development Reclamation District 2092

RCIS Program Map


Program Contact

For further information about the RCIS Program or to receive Program notifications, please contact the RCIS Program Team at RCIS@wildlife.ca.gov