The California Department and Fish and Wildlife is holding meetings across the state to get input on its State Wildlife Action Plan. It's the first update in 10 years and could have far-reaching implications for fish, wildlife, conservation and agriculture.
Armand Gonzales with the department said the plan isn't mandatory, but it will guide conservation strategies to preserve and protect California's vulnerable plants and animals.
"The goal is to keep those common species common, to intervene on the stresses and threats that are affecting them and affecting the habitat that they depend upon before they get to that point of needing protection under the Endangered Species Act," Gonzales explained.
Gonzales said the updated plan will consider the affects of climate change on habitats. He said the department wants to encourage conservation easements rather than acquiring land. It also wants to focus on ecosystems, rather than individual species.
The updated plan is scheduled to be completed by 2015.
