About the PLM Program
Loss of habitat is the single most important challenge facing wildlife populations and wildlife managers today. In response, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife created the Private Lands Management (PLM) Program to provide incentives for private landowners to actively manage their lands for the benefit of wildlife.
Landowners enrolled in the PLM Program work with Department biologists to develop and implement management plans that include biologically sound habitat improvements designed to provide measurable ecological benefits. These improvements may include enhancing water availability, restoring native vegetation, and creating structural habitat components such as cover.
This partnership between the Department and private landowners supports long-term habitat conservation and contributes to broader landscape-scale benefits, including improved wildlife movement and habitat connectivity.
Is PLM Right for You?
The PLM Program is designed for private landowners who are committed to long-term habitat management and stewardship.
The PLM Program might be a good fit if you:
- Own or manage a property with restorable or meaningful habitat for wildlife
- Are willing to design and implement habitat improvement projects that are measurable
- Can develop and commit to a strict five-year management plan with defined goals and a structured project timeline
- Are interested in supporting wildlife conservation on not only the identified property, but on a landscape scale
- Can document and report habitat improvements, wildlife surveys, and annual harvest data
The PLM Program is not intended for properties that have minimal habitat management or if improvements don’t lead to a measurable ecological benefit.
Program Benefits
Participation in the PLM Program provides both ecological and operational benefits.
Landowners enrolled in PLM:
- Receive technical guidance from Department biologists
- Implement habitat improvement projects that benefit habitat function and enhance wildlife populations
- Contribute to conservation efforts that cover multiple species and ecosystem types
- Qualify for PLM hunting tags, which can potentially have expanded season dates and/or bag limits
All PLM Program benefits are intended to be commensurate with the level and quality of habitat improvements and ongoing management of the property.
Landowner Responsibilities
Participation in the PLM Program is an ongoing commitment that extends beyond initial enrollment.
Landowners are responsible for developing and implementing an approved management plan over a five-year license period. All habitat improvement projects must be completed as described in the plan and maintained to ensure continued effectiveness and measurable ecological benefit.
Management plans should identify existing habitat conditions, any limiting factors, and specific actions required to improve the quality of habitat. Habitat improvements must go beyond routine maintenance and demonstrate meaningful enhancement of wildlife habitat.
Each license year, landowners must submit required reports documenting:
- All habitat improvements completed
- Any wildlife observations and population information
- All data from the harvest and distribution of tags
The Department will conduct site inspections periodically to ensure compliance with all program requirements and to evaluate the progress made towards property management objectives. Any failure to meet program expectations, such as incomplete habitat improvements or insufficient ecological benefits, may result in adjustments to tag allocations or additional administrative actions. Additional detail on reporting requirements, compliance expectations, and management plan implementation is provided in the PLM Handbook (PDF).
PLM Process
How to Apply
Landowners interested in enrolling in the PLM Program should begin by contacting the Department to discuss their property and program requirements.
The application process includes:
- Completing an initial or five-year renewal application
- Developing a comprehensive management plan
- Submitting all required documentation for review
Coordinating with Department staff early is strongly recommended to make sure all aspects of an application are complete and successful. For complete application requirements, management plan guidance, and program details, please refer to the PLM Handbook (PDF).
Resources
Program materials and supporting documents are available to assist landowners throughout the application and participation process.
Applications and Forms
Fees
Guidance
Hunting Information
For more information about the PLM program, please contact PLM@wildlife.ca.gov.