Introduction
The RCIS Subprogram offers any public agency or federally recognized tribe, in coordination with local interested parties, an opportunity to develop a landscape-level conservation guidance document approved by CDFW. Examples of the subprogram’s many benefits are included in the list below.
RCIS documents include a conditions assessment and a conservation strategy. The conditions assessment uses best available information to identify the various biological and natural resources, as well as areas of development, within the RCIS area. The conservation strategy, which is based on the conditions assessment, includes goals, objectives, actions, and priorities that can guide conservation and mitigation projects. Anyone can use the wealth of information compiled in an RCIS and/or implement RCIS actions, which can help further conservation within the RCIS area.
RCISs are initially approved for a maximum of 10 years but can be extended.
If you would like further information about the RCIS Subprogram or if you may be interested in developing an RCIS, please contact the RCIS Program Team at rcis@wildlife.ca.gov or visit the RCIS Subprogram Resources page.
RCIS Subprogram Benefits
- RCISs are developed using the best available science - new research, studies, or modeling are not required.
- Approved RCISs are publicly available for anyone to use and benefit from.
- RCIS actions may be implemented through an MCA [link to MCA Home page] to create advance mitigation credits.
- RCIS actions implemented as a conservation project may be more competitive for grant funding, increasing the likelihood of receiving the funding.
- RCIS information may be used by developers to identify alternative locations that may minimize mitigation obligations.
- RCISs can help call attention to specific conservation needs in the area.
- RCISs can help identify gaps in scientific information and provide suggestions for needed research.
RCIS Subprogram Overview Video