SECTIONS 1801-1802 - California Statutes

FISH AND GAME CODE

SECTION 1801-1802

1801. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state to
encourage the preservation, conservation, and maintenance of wildlife
resources under the jurisdiction and influence of the state. This
policy shall include the following objectives:
(a) To maintain sufficient populations of all species of wildlife
and the habitat necessary to achieve the objectives stated in
subdivisions (b), (c), and (d).
(b) To provide for the beneficial use and enjoyment of wildlife by
all citizens of the state.
(c) To perpetuate all species of wildlife for their intrinsic and
ecological values, as well as for their direct benefits to all
persons.
(d) To provide for aesthetic, educational, and nonappropriative
uses of the various wildlife species.
(e) To maintain diversified recreational uses of wildlife,
including the sport of hunting, as proper uses of certain designated
species of wildlife, subject to regulations consistent with the
maintenance of healthy, viable wildlife resources, the public safety,
and a quality outdoor experience.
(f) To provide for economic contributions to the citizens of the
state, through the recognition that wildlife is a renewable resource
of the land by which economic return can accrue to the citizens of
the state, individually and collectively, through regulated
management. Such management shall be consistent with the maintenance
of healthy and thriving wildlife resources and the public ownership
status of the wildlife resources.
(g) To alleviate economic losses or public health or safety
problems caused by wildlife to the people of the state either
individually or collectively. Such resolution shall be in a manner
designed to bring the problem within tolerable limits consistent with
economic and public health considerations and the objectives stated
in subdivisions (a), (b) and (c).
(h) It is not intended that this policy shall provide any power to
regulate natural resources or commercial or other activities
connected therewith, except as specifically provided by the
Legislature.

1802. The department has jurisdiction over the conservation,
protection, and management of fish, wildlife, native plants, and
habitat necessary for biologically sustainable populations of those
species. The department, as trustee for fish and wildlife resources,
shall consult with lead and responsible agencies and shall provide,
as available, the requisite biological expertise to review and
comment upon environmental documents and impacts arising from project
activities, as those terms are used in the California Environmental
Protection Act (Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the
Public Resources Code).