§ 10337. — 10337. (Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 984, Sec. 1.)

A conservation easement may be acquired pursuant to this division only if its acquisition will protect, restore, or enhance rangeland, grazing land, or grassland and sustain the character of the property. In evaluating qualified property, the board and any recipient of a grant may consider all of the following criteria:
(a)
The productivity or potential productivity of the land.
(b)
The long-term economic viability of the property.
(c)
The threat to the property of urban or intensified rural development.
(d)
The presence of scenic open-space or viewshed, historic, or archeological values, or unique geologic features.
(e)
The presence of water resources, including groundwater recharge.
(f)
The presence of vegetation with ecological significance, such as oak woodlands, forests, riparian corridor, or native vegetation.
(g)
The quality of the soil.
(h)
The location of the property relative to an urban sphere of influence.
(i)
The location of the property relative to other properties preserved by conservation easements.
(j)
Whether protecting this property will assist in protecting other lands.
(k)
The geographic concentration of other rangelands, grazing lands, and grasslands.

Legislative History

Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 984, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2003.