This is the Official page for the California Department of Conservation. With a team of scientists and other dedicated professionals, the Department of Conservation administers a variety of programs vital to California's public safety, environment and economy. The services DOC provides are designed to balance today's needs with tomorrow's obligations by fostering the wise use and conserva
tion of energy, land and mineral resources. Division of Land Resource Protection (DLRP)
The Department of Conservation administers or supports a number of programs designed to promote orderly growth in coordination with agricultural endeavors. This is a crucial job: The population of California is expected to grow from its current 34 million to 50 million by 2025, and the need for new homes will put strain on the nation's leading agricultural economy. Key DOC tools available for land conservation planning are conservation easement grants, tax incentives to keep land in agriculture or open space, and farmland mapping and monitoring. Division of Mine Reclamation (DMR)
The reclamation of mining land wasn't addressed in state law before 1975. The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act is the link between producing the mineral products important to California and protecting the environment. Under SMARA, every mining operation must have a permit to mine, an approved reclamation plan (the mined land must be restored or altered to a condition agreed upon prior to mining), and a sound financial ability to ensure reclamation. California Geological Survey (CGS)
In the United States, only Alaska experiences more earthquakes than California. Scientists from DOC gather data on earthquakes and map earthquake faults and related hazards. This information is used to make buildings and structures that are better able to withstand earthquakes, minimizing loss of life and property damage. In addition, the Mineral Resources Program gathers, analyzes and distributes information on the state's mineral resources to help prevent valuable mineral deposits from being lost. Division of Oil, Gas & Geothermal (DOGGR)
DOC ensures the safe exploration and development of energy resources. It oversees the construction, operation and closure of oil, gas and geothermal wells, an important step in guarding drinking and agricultural waters against pollution. DOC also is the clearinghouse for information about the state's oil, gas and geothermal industry, with more than 170,000 well records, production and injection statistics, well logs and field maps. State Mining & Geology Board (SMGB)
The State Mining and Geology Board operates within the Department of Conservation, and is granted certain autonomous responsibilities and obligations under several statutes. The board's general authority requires all nine board members to "represent the general public interest." The board serves as a regulatory, policy and appeals body representing the state's interest in geology, geologic and seismologic hazards, conservation of mineral resources, and reclamation following surface mining activities.
