Skip to content

Resources

Reference Documents

In-depth links to important reference information such as RCIS program fees, California Fish and Game code, CDFW overview of the program and summaries of RCIS symposium.

An open notebook displays a satellite image of some coastal land and a person’s hand that is pointing to a spot on the image.
Natural Solutions Examining efforts in Ventura County to bolster natural solutions to ease effects of sea-level rise. © Kevin Arnold
Rolling hills decorated in shades of yellow, orange, red, purple, and green by poppy flowers.
California Hills in bloom Poppies decorate the hills surrounding Lake Elsinore in Southern California. In the spring of superbloom years, the entire hillside turns orange and purple due to the huge number of flowers. © John Devlin/TNC Photo Contest 2022

Reference Documents

Utilize these documents to better understand California Fish & Game Code, RCIS program fees, guidelines and watch CDFW leadership present a video of an RCIS overview. Also included are reports from multiple RCIS Symposium and white papers related to Habitat Connectivity and RAMP (Regional Advance Mitigation Planning).

The CDFW RCIS team encourages all parties considering an RCIS or propoenents pursuing and RCIS and/or MCA to reach out with any questions to this email address: RCIS@wildlife.ca.gov

  • California Fish and Game Code

    Document

    This compilation of selected sections is current with statutory amendments required by legislative enactments up to and including all 372 chapters of the 2020 Regular Session of the 2019-2020 California Legislature.

    DOWNLOAD
  • CDFW document outlines program guidelines for the RCIS Program

    RCIS Program Guidelines

    Document

    2023 RCIS Program guidelines published by CDFW

    DOWNLOAD

  • RCIS Program Fees

    Document

    This fee schedule is part of the Regional Conservation Investment Strategies Program Guidelines (Guidelines).

    DOWNLOAD

  • RCIS Overview: Recorded CDFW presentation

    Video

    RCIS Program Overview & Updates, Public Webinar 2023 – RCIS Presentation followed by Q&A

    DOWNLOAD
  • List of resources for RCIS and MCA including CDFW contacts, consultants, Sponsor organizations and subject matter experts

    RCIS and MCA Project Contact list- 2025

    Document

    List of sponsors, subject matter and project consultants used for RCIS projects completed or in progress through June 2025

    DOWNLOAD
  • Scientific paper on approaches to developing connectivity mitigation by Piper Walingford, Kat Selem, Thomas Beiring, Abigail Ramsden

    Approaches to Habitat Connectivity Mitigation

    Document

    Exploring Scientific Approaches to Developing Habitat Connectivity Mitigation Piper Wallingford, Kat Selm, Thomas Biering, Abigail Ramsden TNC California | September 2023

    DOWNLOAD
  • Presentation by CDFW outlining the benefits, guidelines and resources available to receive advance mitigation credits related to wildlife connectivity projects.

    Connectivity Guidelines

    Document

    Presentation by CDFW outlining the benefits, guidelines and resources available to receive advance mitigation credits related to wildlife connectivity projects.

    DOWNLOAD
  • TNC document of resources for connectivity, such as wildlife corridors, Trish Smith

    Connectivity Resources for Habitat and Wildlife

    Document

    List compiled in June 2024 of local and state resources for connectivity projects

    DOWNLOAD
  • Final Draft Regional Advanced Mitigation Program Policy Framework, November 16, 2022, EEC Approved Jan. 5, 2023

    RAMP White Paper 2022

    Document

    Regional Advance Mitigation Planning to support Connect SoCal in the SCAG Region

    DOWNLOAD
  • Resources for Outreach and Engagement. Includes process, equity & Inclusion, language & terms

    Outreach and Engagement Resources

    Document

    List of resources for Engagement Process, Equity/Inclusion and Language and Terms

    DOWNLOAD
  • Meeting summary from October 2, 2018 RCIS Symposium in Sacramento. Jenn Fox, Liz O'Donoghue, Francie Mitchell

    2018 RCIS Symposium Summary

    Document

    Meeting summary from October 2, 2018 RCIS Symposium in Sacramento. Jenn Fox, Liz O'Donoghue, Francie Mitchell

    DOWNLOAD
  • Meeting summary from Dec 3, 2019 RCIS Symposium in Sacramento CA. Liz O'Donoghue, Francie Mitchell, Janine Knapp

    2019 RCIS Symposium Summary

    Document

    Meeting summary from Nov 12, 2020 RCIS Symposium via Zoom. Liz O'Donoghue, Francie Mitchell, Amanda DeMarco

    DOWNLOAD
  • Meeting summary from Nov 12, 2020 RCIS Symposium via Zoom. Liz O'Donoghue, Francie Mitchell, Amanda DeMarco

    2020 RCIS Symposium Summary

    Document

    Meeting summary from Nov 12, 2020 RCIS Symposium via Zoom. Liz O'Donoghue, Francie Mitchell, Amanda DeMarco

    DOWNLOAD
  • A summary of the meeting held on Sept. 20, 2022 to discuss best practices and foster a learning network for stakeholders involved in the RCIS Program.

    2022 RCIS Symposium Summary

    Document

    A summary of the meeting held on Sept. 20, 2022 to discuss best practices and foster a learning network for stakeholders involved in the RCIS Program.

    DOWNLOAD
  • Public presentation of the RCIS Program overview in 2024 by Ami Olsen

    CDFW RCIS Program Overview

    Document

    Public presentation in 2024 of the RCIS Program with detailed information regarding both the RCIS Strategy and MCA

    DOWNLOAD
  • Overview of the MCA program including details around MCA program features, role of acknowledging agencies and comparison of other funding options for mitigation.

    CDFW MCA Program Presentation 2024

    Document

    Overview of the MCA program including details around MCA program features, role of acknowledging agencies and comparison of other funding options for mitigation.

    DOWNLOAD

  • RIBITS- Regulatory Request System

    Document

    RIBITS was developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to track mitigation banking and in-lieu fee (ILF) program activities across the United States. RIBITS includes information regarding banks and ILF program sites, associated documents, mitigation credit availability, service areas, and policies

    DOWNLOAD
  • RCIS Approval Flowchart

    RCIS Development, Review and Approval Process

    Document

    CDFW flowchart describing each activity involved in RCIS development, review and approval.

    DOWNLOAD
  • MCA Approval Flowchart

    MCA Development, Review and Approval Process

    Document

    CDFW flowchart describing each activity involved in MCA development, review and approval.

    DOWNLOAD