(a) The purpose of this article is to encourage farmers and ranchers engaged in agricultural activities to establish locally designed programs to voluntarily enhance and maintain habitat for endangered and threatened species. These voluntary local programs shall be suited to the particular circumstances of the local agricultural area where each will be implemented.(b) Upon approval of the voluntary local program by the Department, any taking of candidate, threatened or endangered non-fish species incidental to routine and ongoing agricultural activities is not prohibited by the California Endangered Species Act, Division 3, Chapter 1.5 of the Fish and Game Code, provided that the take occurs on a farm or ranch while implementing the management practices specified in the voluntary local program.(c) The voluntary local programs authorized pursuant to this article shall provide sufficient flexibility to maximize participation and to gain the maximum wildlife benefits without compromising the economics of agricultural operations.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 14, § 786.0
1. New article 2 (sections 786.0-786.6) and section filed 12-31-98; operative 12-31-98 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(d) (Register 99, No. 1).
2. Amendment filed 8-28-2002; operative 9-27-2002 (Register 2002, No. 35). Note: Authority cited: Sections 702 and 2086, Fish and Game Code. Reference: Sections 2062, 2067, 2068, 2080, 2086, 2088 and 2089, Fish and Game Code.
1. New article 2 (sections 786.0-786.6) and section filed 12-31-98; operative 12-31-98 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(d) (Register 99, No. 1).
2. Amendment filed 8-28-2002; operative 9-27-2002 (Register 2002, No. 35).