What is a Regional Conservation Investment Strategy?
A Regional Conservation Investment Strategy (RCIS) is a voluntary conservation plan collaboratively developed by regional partners.
An RCIS is a science-based, nonbinding, voluntary conservation plan approved by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) that identifies at-risk natural resources and species, and priority conservation actions to protect them. Learn more about the RCIS program on CDFW’s RCIS Program page.
Every RCIS undergoes a public review process and is approved at the state level. It is important to note that RCIS plans are legally non-binding. To that end, an RCIS does not create, modify, or impose any regulatory requirements or standards; and does not regulate land use, establish land-use designations, or affect the land-use authority of public agencies.
At the time of development, the San Joaquin Valley RCIS is one of eleven RCIS plans approved or in development across the state. The San Joaquin Valley RCIS is focused on supporting natural resource and groundwater sustainability, habitat quality and connectivity, and working lands. You can learn more about the specifics of the San Joaquin Valley RCIS here.
What does an RCIS do?
First and foremost, an RCIS identifies opportunities for protecting, restoring, reconnecting, and creating habitat for important plant and animal species identified in the region.
Once approved, an RCIS allows for the creation of mitigation credit agreements (MCAs) and can drive public sources of funding to a region. MCAs provide more options for mitigating loss of critical species habitat, and give landowners an opportunity to be paid to create habitat. Learn more about MCAs on the CDFW RCIS Program website.
Overall, an RCIS can serve as a tool for driving conservation funding to a region in a more coordinated and targeted way.
What are the elements of an RCIS?
Each RCIS is unique, and has content that is individualized to its specific local context and needs. However, every RCIS must include the following components:
Do you have questions about the San Joaquin Valley RCIS?
Explore this website to learn about the San Joaquin Valley RCIS and track its progress. If you have questions, contact us.
The San Joaquin Valley RCIS is part of a broader conservation effort, led by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Visit the CDFW website to learn more about the RCIS program.