For plants, the Native Plant Protection Act protects indigenous plant species. Listing is based on the best available scientific and commercial information. Recovery plans and critical habitat designation are not required, although state agency consultation is required. The penalty for violation is forfeiture of the property. The law has very little, if any, effect on private landowners.
Some state agencies plan and manage their lands in a biologically sustainable manner.
State statutes require that parks and forests be preserved and protected for their natural value. In addition, lake management and protection plans must include provisions for the conservation of wildlife, fish habitat and other significant natural areas. The Fish and Game Department and the Division of Forest and Lands have appointed an Ecological Reserve Steering Committee to develop a blueprint for a reserve system that will help protect biodiversity. The state also engages in cooperative efforts to improve land management across ownership boundaries. For example, the Rivers Management and Protection Program works with the Office of State Planning on shoreline protection issues.