California is home to an incredible diversity of native plants. Among them, 229 terrestrial native plants are designated as rare, threatened, endangered, or candidate species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) and/or the Native Plant Protection Act (NPPA), and unauthorized "take" or possession of these state-listed plants is prohibited.
To safeguard these vulnerable plants, CDFW carefully regulates how they are studied, collected, and managed, and may issue permits for activities such as scientific research, education, and conservation management. This guide will help you understand the types of permits available, how to apply, and how your work can contribute to preserving California's unique botanical diversity.
For a full list of state and federally protected plant species, visit this link:
State and Federally Listed Endangered, Threatened, and Rare Plants of California (PDF)
Voucher Collecting Permit
(Fish and Game Code section 2081, subdivision (a))
A voucher collecting permit provides authorization to collect state-listed terrestrial plants during general field surveys for identification purposes or to document a newly discovered or unvouchered species. Voucher collecting permits are typically issued to professional botanists or to individuals participating in vegetation surveys. These permits are valid for three years and have no application fee. Permittees report any collection of state-listed plants annually to the California Natural Diversity Database and submit specimens to a Consortium of California Herbaria (CCH) member institution.
How to Apply
Submit an Online Application
OR
Download a Voucher Collecting Permit Application (PDF), and e-mail the completed application to: nativeplants@wildlife.ca.gov
Related Resources
Processing Time
CDFW typically issues voucher collecting permits within 30 days of receiving a complete application. However, processing times may vary depending on seasonal demand.
Scientific, Educational, or Management Permit
(Fish and Game Code section 2081, subdivision (a))
A scientific, educational, or management permit provides authorization to take, possess, import, or export state-listed terrestrial plants for activities such as research, seed banking, reintroduction efforts, habitat restoration, or conservation management. Scientific, educational, or management permits are typically issued to researchers, conservation or restoration practitioners, and botanic gardens. CDFW issues these permits for varying term lengths, and there is no application fee.
Scientific, Educational, or Management Permit Process
1. Prepare Your Proposal
Applicants should submit a detailed proposal outlining your scientific, educational, or management activities involving state-listed terrestrial plants. The proposal should clearly describe the project and its anticipated ecological benefits. For guidance on preparing your proposal, refer to the Proposal Format Guidelines.
To submit your proposal, request a pre-application consultation, or ask questions, contact us at nativeplants@wildlife.ca.gov.
2. Environmental Review
Native Plant Program staff and staff in CDFW regions where the project will take place will review the proposal. This is a collaborative process with applicants and may include proposal refinement if necessary.
3. Permit Preparation and Issuance
Once review of the proposal is complete, your permit will be drafted, reviewed, and issued. In issuing the permit, CDFW must comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and will file the appropriate environmental document with the California State Clearinghouse for the public record.
4. Project Implementation and Reporting
Permit holders complete annual reporting to CDFW detailing project progress, data and activities, and management recommendations.
Processing Time
CDFW typically requests at least 90 days to review and issue a scientific, educational, or management permit. Seasonal demand is highest in spring and fall, so timeline to issuance may be longer during those periods. If your project requires an expedited permit, please don't hesitate to contact us at nativeplants@wildlife.ca.gov.
How Your Work Supports Biodiversity Conservation
Work carried out under voucher collecting permits and scientific, educational, or management permits helps CDFW and local, state, Tribal, and federal partners monitor the health and recovery of state-listed plants. Holding a permit connects you to an established network of researchers and conservationists dating back to the early 1980s, who have made invaluable contributions to understanding population dynamics, propagation techniques, and recovery strategies.
Incidental Take Permit (ITP)
(Fish and Game Code section 2081, subdivision (b))
An ITP authorizes the take of state-listed terrestrial plants if the take is incidental to carrying out an otherwise lawful activity, such as construction, land development, or utility and transportation projects. For more information visit our Incidental Take Permit website. To begin the ITP process, contact the appropriate CDFW Regional Office for the area of your proposed project.
Other Permits Issued by CDFW
In addition to the permits discussed above, CDFW may also authorize take or possession of state-listed terrestrial plants through other permitting mechanisms, including but not limited to: