Existing law establishes the Natural Resources Agency, composed of departments, boards, conservancies, and commissions responsible for the restoration, protection, and management of the state’s natural and cultural resources.

This bill would designate the Santa Cruz Mountains, as defined, as a landscape of statewide significance that requires special protection by the Natural Resources Agency and its boards, departments, and conservancies, as provided. The bill would require the agency, and to the extent that resources are available, and when appropriate, to protect, restore, and preserve the natural ecosystems of the Santa Cruz Mountains, among other things.

This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Santa Cruz Mountains covering portions of the Counties of San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz.