The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has launched the Cutting the Green Tape program to streamline permitting for restoration projects, resulting in the approval of the Restoration Management Permit (RMP). Signed into law by Governor Newsom on September 27, 2024, AB 1581 consolidates five key CDFW authorizations into the RMP, promoting efficient management of restoration activities without application fees.
The first RMP has been issued for the Little Butano Creek Fish Passage and Habitat Enhancement Project in San Mateo County, aimed at restoring fish passage and enhancing habitat. This project received a grant of $3,743,263 from CDFW’s Watershed Restoration Grants.
Additionally, CDFW issued a Statutory Exemption for Restoration Projects (SERP) for the Skey-wok Kee’ We Mech project on the Yurok Reservation, focusing on forest health and habitat restoration through prescribed burning. Since its inception, the Cutting the Green Tape program has facilitated multiple permits for projects aimed at fire resilience and habitat enhancement.
The program continues to engage stakeholders through workshops and webinars, enhancing regulatory strategies for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). For more information, visit the Cutting the Green Tape Project StoryMap and SERP web page.
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