The Permanent Wetland Easement Program was established within the Wetland Habitat Unit of the Wildlife Management Division, in 1991. This program is designed to purchase permanent conservation easements on Central Valley wetlands, intended to ensure the preservation and enhancement of existing and restored marshes so critical to the welfare of waterfowl wintering in California. CDFG's long-term goal is to place at least 75,000 acres of wetland habitat under permanent easements. Methods of Protection CDFG, in cooperation with the landowner, develop a marsh management plan for the property. The plan is intended to assure the development and maintenance of high quality waterfowl habitat throughout the property.
Conservation easements prohibit future farming and development.
Landowners are permitted full and exclusive use of the property except where uses will result in the loss or degradation of wetland habitat. Selection Procedure Selection of properties is guided in part by the Implementation Plan formulated by the Central Valley Joint Venture. Following negotiations between the landowner, CDFG biologists and WCB land agents, the easement contract is executed and the landowner receives a one-time lump sum payment. The program is also structured to allow for the acquisition of easements on those properties that are not currently wetlands, but where conservation to waterfowl habitat is in progress or is imminent. California Waterfowl Habitat Program History and Purpose The California Waterfowl Habitat Preservation Act of 1987 was passed by the Legislature in recognition of the continuing loss of wetland acreages and habitat quality statewide.