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The Department safeguards farmland so we are fed; oversees our oil wells to safely give us energy and keep our waters clean; studies earthquakes and landslides so we are safe; manages California's earth resources so we are more self-reliant in meeting our energy needs; and promotes recycling so we have fewer resources going to landfills and more resources for jobs.
With a team of geologists, engineers, seismologists, scientists and other dedicated professionals, the Department plays a key role in decision-making for public safety; sustainable economic development; land-use planning, and resource management conservation. In fact, the Department's accomplishments in these areas are so respected that people from around the world--most recently China, Japan and Russia--come to learn about conservation.
The Department also provides data needed for informed land-use and emergency response planning decisions. Information gathered, analyzed and distributed by the Department is used by the public and private sectors to develop sound building codes and improve building design to withstand the effects of strong earthquake shaking.
Prepared by the Department, earthquake fault maps and landslide maps are used by local governments to make wise decisions on construction and land use along active faults and areas of potential landslides. Over 2,000 linear miles of active faults and 3,000 square miles of landslide areas have been mapped to date.
Public safety and environmental standards are also maintained by the Department's team of scientists and engineers who review environmental documents for proposed development projects and their onsite oil field inspections.
To ensure erosion protection while allowing for the successful harvesting of timber, the Department reviews timber harvest plans prepared by timber companies.
Californians may also enjoy hiking, camping or fishing as a result of the Williamson Act. These are just some activities private owners provide on open-space lands protected by the Act.
The Department helps guard not just the land but the wildlife and plants that live there. The Department has programs to protect natural habitat through its supervision of mine reclamation and oil production and drilling.
We must know what and where our resources are before we can guard them. The Department of Conservation champions natural resources conservation in this way. For example, the Department's mineral scientists and geologists identify and map mineral deposits to ensure land-use decisions allow for sufficient supplies of these minerals in the future.
And as the state's population increases, the need for careful land use also increases. The Department of Conservation's land-use and conservation programs help address this need through farmland mapping.
But ensuring farmland protection is not enough. Programs must be in place so the soil is kept rich and sustainable. That's why the Department is working toward an active program of soil conservation.
For example, the Department's technical review of mine reclamation plans helps ensure currently mined lands will eventually be able to sustain recreation, agriculture, residential or industrial development and other sustainable uses.
The Department helps ensure safe underground and surface water while encouraging good conservation and engineering practices for oil, gas and geothermal resource production. The Department requires proper oil well plugging and abandonment procedures and other measures that prevent pollution.
Through its beverage container recycling program, the Department encourages Californians to reduce waste and recycle materials for other uses. "Recycle, reduce and reuse" is the vital conservation ethic practiced by more and more Californians. The Department is now focusing on "closing the loop." This means moving beyond recycling to include purchasing recycled products. This way, a need is created for recycled material and jobs are created by facilitating new markets for recycled beverage containers.
Californians can learn more about recycling by calling the Department's toll-free hotline 1 (800) RECYCLE.
Division of Mines and Geology: Generates and interprets complex
mineral resource and geological hazard issues affecting the safety and
economic well-being of Californians. More than l00 years old, Mines and
Geology is the oldest continuous state geological survey in the United
States and boasts an impressive team of earth scientists, engineers and
technicians.
California mining produced an estimated $2.5 billion in mineral resources
in 1992. Mineral extraction accounts for directly employing more than
10,000 Californians with thousands of others indirectly employed by the
industry.
California is the fourth largest oil-producer in the nation, with over
90,000 operating wells. In 1992, more than $6 billion in energy resources
were produced in California. More than 70,000 California jobs are
supported by oil and gas production in the state. Thousands of
Californians are employed by geothermal production, oil refining and
other related industries.
As you just read, the Department of Conservation is working hard as
California's protector, guardian and steward. These roles will become
more challenging as even more demands for the state's earth resources
come in the future.
How will these challenges be met?
The Department is taking the lead so Californians can learn to live-with-
-and benefit from--the geology of the state. A geographic information
system utilizing the Department's scientific expertise and the latest in
computer technology is currently in the works. Earthquake fault mapping
will continue, as will additional installations of seismographs
(earthquake monitoring devices) that measure and record the response
buildings and soils have to earthquakes.
The Department will continue protecting the earth by maintaining soil
conservation programs and safeguarding farmland via the Williamson
Act.
Under the Department's supervision, vital earth resources will still be
recovered in the most effective and beneficial manner to the environment
and the economy.
To keep California clean by reducing waste, the Department will reinforce
Californians' recycling habit. Future efforts include expanded
opportunities for private businesses to use recyclables in creating
products such as soundwalls that wipe clean of graffiti. Economic
development is also being accomplished via recycling grants throughout
the state. Thus far, these grants have resulted in hundreds of new jobs
for Californians.
The Department of Conservation's team of scientists, geologists,
engineers, seismologists and other dedicated professionals looks forward
to maintaining California's natural resources for generations of
Californians to come.
Future Looks Bright for the Golden State
Contacts for more information on the California Department of Conservation
Please E-mail your comments: httpd@agency.resources.ca.gov