There is hereby established the Significant Natural Areas Program which shall be administered by the department. The department, in administering this program, shall do all of the following:

(a) Obtain access to the most recent information with respect to natural resources. In order to accomplish this, the department shall maintain, expand, and keep current a data management system, designated the California Natural Diversity Data Base, designed to document information on these resources. That data shall be made available to interested parties on request.

(b) Develop and maintain a spatial data system that identifies those areas in the state that are most essential for maintaining habitat connectivity, including wildlife corridors and habitat linkages. This data should include information essential for evaluating the needs of wildlife species, as defined in Section 89.5, that require habitat connectivity for their long-term conservation, including distribution and movement patterns.

(c) As appropriate, develop and maintain the database by incorporating mapping products and data developed by other state agencies.

(d) Make all of the data sets, and associated analytical products, available to the public and other government entities.

(e) Ensure cost sharing by all who use the data management system and develop an appropriate schedule of compensation to be paid by individuals using the data management system, not to exceed the actual costs for use of the data management system.

(f) Ensure recognition of the state’s most significant natural areas, including those affected by climate change. The department shall, after consultation with federal, state, and local agencies, education institutions, civic and public interest organizations, private organizations, landowners, and other private individuals, identify by means of periodic reports those natural areas deemed to be most significant.

(g) Seek the maintenance and perpetuation of the state’s most significant natural areas for present and future generations in the most feasible manner. The department shall consider alternative approaches for that maintenance, including alternatives to fee acquisition such as incentives, leasing, and dedication.

(h) Reduce unnecessary duplication of effort. The department shall provide coordinating services to federal, state, local, and private interests wishing to aid in the maintenance and perpetuation of significant natural areas.

(i) Actively pursue grants and cost-sharing opportunities with local, state, or federal agencies, or private entities that use the data sets and benefit from their creation and maintenance.

(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 154, Sec. 39. (AB 1527) Effective January 1, 2016.)