Proposal from the Strategic Growth Council. Regional Conservation and Development (IRCAD) Program in California DRAFT August 27, 2015

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1 Proposal from the Strategic Growth Council for CBC Partnership on the Integrated Regional Conservation and Development (IRCAD) Program in California DRAFT August 27, 2015 California Biodiversity Council To conserve and sustain California s natural heritage through collaboration among leaders and cooperation across all levels of government Overview Need and Vision Conservation and development planning processes in California are currently carried out as uncoordinated and often conflicting activities. Conservation planning is typically instigated in response to development, which results in costly small scale mitigation solutions that minimally address legally protected species and ecosystems. There is growing recognition by government agencies and project proponents that regional approaches that integrate development and conservation planning processes result in more efficient and effective development and conservation outcomes. A regional approach is needed to identify priority conservation actions across land ownerships in advance of development. While this coordinated regional conservation approach will require up front investment, the resulting development efficiencies and conservation outcomes will offset these up front costs. Background The Strategic Growth Council (SGC) has resolved to increase the efficiency of implementing priority development projects, while supporting the preservation of working landscapes and the conservation of California s natural heritage. Towards these objectives, the SGC has initiated the Integrated Regional Conservation and Development (IRCAD) Program to identify regional conservation priorities in advance of development. The availability of this conservation information will result in the avoidance of many development conflicts, direct the use of mitigation resources to achieve the highest conservation outcomes, and help to align environmental review and permitting processes to maximize these goals. In 2014, the SGC engaged the California Biodiversity Council (CBC) to partner in the development, promotion and implementation of the IRCAD Program. In particular, this CBC resolution outlined three tasks: 1. Develop the framework, methods and outcomes of the regional resource conservation assessment component of Integrated Regional Planning. 2. Support the implementation of at least one SGC Integrated Regional Planning pilot project. 3. Draft a comprehensive, long term SGC CBC partnership agreement to advance Integrated Regional Planning for discussion and adoption at the subsequent CBC meeting. Progress on the first two tasks is summarized in the August 27, 2015 Progress Report. This proposal addresses the terms of a long term partnership agreement that will be presented as a resolution for adoption at the upcoming CBC Meeting on October 14,

2 Principal Activities and Intended Outcomes The SGC is proposing a long term partnership with the CBC to advance this aligned regional approach through the Integrated Regional Conservation and Development Planning (IRCAD) program. CBC has already taken many actions that will help to implement this initiative in response to the 2014 Resolution to Help Implement the Strategic Growth Council s Integrated Regional Planning Initiative, and the 2013 resolution to Strengthen Alignment of Agency Conservation Work in California. This new proposal is now being presented to advance the IRCAD program through this SGC CBC partnership. The principal areas this partnership will focus on over the next three years include: Development and publication of a standardized framework to guide the implementation of regional conservation assessments in California. Implementation of regional conservation assessment projects to demonstrate the efficiency of identifying regional conservation priorities to determine impacts, direct mitigation resources, streamline regulatory and permitting processes, and achieving significant and sustainable conservation outcomes. Two demonstration projects are associated with the sections of the High Speed Rail Project. Promotion and advancement of the Integrated Regional Conservation and Development Program across agencies and organizations. Development of information and technology to support the broad application of these methods. Roles and Responsibilities The implementation of this initiative will require allocation of staff time for participation in different components of this work, and sharing of data and resources from a number of agencies and organizations. The SGC will continue to provide program leadership, facilitation and coordination. It is responsible for program development and documentation and will provide outreach and communications. SGC will also provide information and technology support to ensure broad implementation of this program. The CBC is requested to provide a strategic role for the alignment of its member agencies in the development of the IRCAD Program, and to promote the broad use of program results. SGC and CBC member agencies are being asked to participate and collaborate for the successful implementation of the IRCAD Programs. This includes agency support for the development of methods, sharing and review of data and support technology, identification of regional targets and goals, and the use of outputs products to achieve sustainable conservation objectives. Foundations and other non governmental organizations are being asked to support the strategic development of this initiative, participate in the development and implementation of program methods and standards, and provide data and technology for program implementation. 2

3 Proposal for Action The California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) is proposing a long term partnership with the California Biodiversity Council (CBC) to advance this aligned regional approach through the Integrated Regional Conservation and Development Planning (IRCAD) program. This proposal addresses the terms of a long term partnership agreement that will be presented as a resolution for adoption at the upcoming CBC Meeting on October 14, The SGC is the program leader, and is mandated to provide guidance and coordination for the development and implementation of this initiative. What is being asked of the CBC members agencies is listed under the activities listed below. Development and publication of a standardized framework to guide the implementation of regional conservation assessments in California Action 1: Review the historical development and application of regional conservation assessment methods to recommend implementation standards for California. 1. Deliverable: Establish multi agency IRCAD Methods Work Group. Schedule: This group was set up in the Spring of 2015 and meets bi monthly. There are representatives from the USFWS, CDFW, CDWR, CDOC, SGC, TNC, CDFA, Caltrans, CEC, UC Davis and the CA Biodiversity Council on this Working Group. CBC Member Agency Involvement / Contribution: Provide representation and expertise in this Working Group to develop and document Regional Conservation Assessment standards and practices for California. Action 2: Develop and document consistent methods for the implementation of Regional Conservation Assessments in CA. 1. Deliverable: Create a high level report that provides an overview of regional conservation assessments methods for California. Schedule: Fall of 2015 IRCAD Methods Work Group to develop this high level report. 2. Deliverable: Create a report detailing the framework and methods for implementing regional conservation assessments on a regional basis throughout California. Schedule: Complete initial guidelines by June 2016, provide biannual updates IRCAD Methods Work Group to develop this detailed implementation guidelines document. Action 3: Develop and document approach and methods for the Integration of Regional Conservation and Development Planning in CA. 1. Deliverable: Document the use of Regional Conservation Assessments products to inform the planning and implementation of development projects. This will focus on the appropriate use of these products for avoidance, minimization as well as mitigation strategies to ensure the protection of identified conservation priorities. Schedule: Spring of 2016 IRCAD Methods Work Group to assist with the development and documentation of integrated conservation and development strategies. 3

4 2. Deliverable: Document the relationship between Regional Conservation Assessment products, permitting processes for development projects, and the development of compensatory mitigation approaches. Schedule: Spring of 2016 IRCAD Methods Work Group to document these processes. 3. Deliverable: Provide guidance for the appropriate use of tools that address mitigation requirements. These mitigation tools to advance regional conservation goals include the improved stewardship of existing conservation lands, acquisition of new lands, and restoration. Schedule: Complete initial guidelines by June 2016, provide biannual updates CBC Member Agency Involvement / Contribution: Through the IRCAD Methods Work Group and other processes, assist with the development and documentation of this guidance document. Action 4: Document stakeholder roles for implementation of the Integrated Regional Conservation and Development Program. 1. Deliverable: Document the appropriate roles for permitting and regulatory agencies, project proponents, and the broader conservation and development community for the efficient implementation of this effort. Appropriate stakeholder involvement will result in increased efficiency of project permitting and mitigation processes along with increased effectiveness of conservation solutions. Schedule: Fall of 2015 CBC Member Agency Involvement / Contribution: Participate in the identifications of appropriate roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders. Implementation of regional conservation assessment projects to demonstrate the efficiency of identifying regional conservation priorities Action 1: Develop Strategy for RCA implementation 1. Deliverable: Complete the assessment of past and current conservation projects across CA to document the work that has been done. Schedule: Work has already begun, with preliminary results due in Oct CBC Member Agency Involvement / Contribution: Contribute to the identification of past and current conservation activities in CA, the aggregation and integration of project outcomes, and help to evaluate this work across the State. 2. Deliverable: Develop regional strategies that integrate past and current conservation efforts into a consistent and comprehensive regional assessment and plan. Schedule: Preliminary strategy in the Fall of CBC Member Agency Involvement / Contribution: Development of the integration strategies through participation in the IRCAD Methods Work Group and other teams. 3. Deliverable: Develop an RCA implementation sequence across CA ecoregions based on need, opportunity and readiness. Schedule: Spring CBC Member Agency Involvement / Contribution: Development of the implementation sequence for Regional Conservation Assessments through participation in the IRCAD Methods Work Group and other teams. 4

5 Action 2: Develop and implement strategic projects to demonstrate the value of this approach and the roles for key stakeholders. 1. Deliverable: Select existing regional scale projects with significant conservation resources and conflicts. Complete a gap analysis for each demonstration ecoregion to assess and document their unmet regional conservation goals, and identify strategies and opportunities to achieve the goals. Develop regional conservation and development assessment products and promote their use to Identify avoidance areas, and minimize impacts to identified conservation goals and priorities, and align compensatory mitigation strategies with unmet regional conservation goals and strategies. Schedule: Work has already begun on the HSR Sections from Bakersfield to Palmdale and Palmdale to Burbank. Schedule: Work is scheduled to begin on the HSR Sections from SF to Merced in the Spring of Schedule: Additional project are being evaluated to be included in the first series of demonstration projects. These decisions will be made throughout the fall of CBC Member Agency Involvement / Contribution: Contribute data and information, staff and other in kind resources to ensure the successful implementation of demonstration projects. Participate in the identification of conservation targets and goals, alignment of regulatory and permitting processes, and the development of conservation strategies to address regional conservation goals. Action 3: Carry out Regional Conservation Assessment across all ecoregions to support the IRCAD program. 1. Deliverable: Apply regional prioritization strategy, standard methods, support technologies, and RCA implementation teams to implement these assessments across the State. Schedule: TBD CBC Member Agency Involvement / Contribution: Contribute data and information, staff and other in kind resources to ensure the successful implementation of regional conservation assessments. Participate in the identification of conservation targets and goals, alignment of regulatory and permitting processes, and the development of conservation strategies to address regional conservation goals. Promotion and advancement of the Integrated Regional Conservation and Development Program across agencies and organizations Action 1: Build key coalitions and partnerships to advance strategic components of the IRCAD program across CA. 1. Deliverable: Complete resolution for State Agencies through the Strategic Growth Council. Schedule: Completed in October of CBC Member Agency Involvement / Contribution: Helped to develop the SGC resolution and background documents. 2. Deliverable: Complete updated Tri Agency Partnership agreement between CalSTA, CA Resources Agency and CalEPA, and the SGC. Schedule: Fall of CBC Member Agency Involvement / Contribution: Agency participation and review. 3. Deliverable: Passed 2015 resolution for the CA Biodiversity Council. Schedule: Preliminary resolution passed in Oct Full resolution to be voted on in October of

6 CBC Member Agency Involvement / Contribution: Agency participation and review. Action 2: Align the regulatory and permitting processes across agencies to advance the identification and protection of conservation goals and priorities 1. Deliverable: Maintain dialogue between regulatory and permitting agencies to advance the alignment of processes for project assessment and permitting. Create report describing processes to improve these efficiencies. Schedule: Summer of 2016 CBC Member Agency Involvement / Contribution: Participation by all agencies to develop and implement plans. Action 3: Organize and participate in forums and workshops to promote the Integrated Regional Conservation and Development Program and the widespread adoption of conservation priorities identified through the conservation planning process 1. Deliverable: Identify opportunities to present and promote the IRCAD program. Schedule: ongoing CBC Member Agency Involvement / Contribution: Identification of opportunities and participation in these activities. Action 4: Advance the protection of identified regional conservation goals and priorities through agency planning, conservation, resource management activities, and other opportunities. 1. Deliverable: Document how each agency and partner can participate in the development and implementation of activities to advance the protection of regional conservation priorities. Schedule: Spring of CBC Member Agency Involvement / Contribution: Participation in planning discussions to identify agency contributions to the regional planning and conservation efforts. Action 5: Report on successes, failures, and lessons learned in the development and use of regional conservation assessments. 1. Deliverable: Review program implementation, and provide adaptive management strategies to ensure efficiencies over time. Schedule: Ongoing CBC Member Agency Involvement / Contribution: Participation in program review and development of advanced implementation approaches. Development of information and technology to support broad application of methods Action 1: Evaluate data requirements and data availability to support the implementation of Regional Conservation Assessments and Integrated Regional Conservation and Development Plans. Categories of conservation data include biological and ecological diversity as well as ecosystem service values for water, carbon, and prime agriculture. 1. Deliverable: Report on data needs and current status of data availability. Schedule: Fall of 2015 CBC Member Agency Involvement / Contribution: Participation in data review and status activities. 6

7 Action 2: Secure technology platform where underlying datasets can be standardized and integrated for viewing, analysis and reporting. 1. Deliverable: Create contract for the use of Data Basin to support the implementation of the IRCAD program. Schedule: Contract in place in July CBC Member Agency Involvement / Contribution: All state agencies can use umbrella contract to support their work. Action 3: Identify and integrate core datasets on a widely accessible information platform to support the implement of the IRCAD program. 1. Deliverable: Core datasets are integrated on Data Basin Schedule: Over 300 datasets are currently housed in Data Basin to support this work. Additional data will be entered as necessary to implement the program going forward. CBC Member Agency Involvement / Contribution: Provide datasets and assist in the integration of these data in Data Basin. Action 4: Identify tools that will support group processes on a state, regional and sub regional basis to implement different components of the IRCAD program. 1. Deliverable: Identify specific technology tools that will support the implementation of the IRCAD program. Schedule: Spring of 2016 CBC Member Agency Involvement / Contribution: Participation in the identification of useful tools to implement the IRCAD program. 7