What We Do

The East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy was created to oversee assembly and operation of the Habitat Conservation Plan / Natural Community Conservation Plan (HCP/NCCP) Preserve System and ensure compliance with all terms of the HCP/NCCP, permits, and Implementing Agreement. The Habitat Conservancy is run by a Governing Board of representatives from the Cities and the County. The Habitat Conservancy is advised by representatives of the wildlife agencies, local land management agencies, a pool of science advisors, and a Public Advisory Committee.

Responsibilities & Duties

The Habitat Conservancy is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the day-to-day tasks of implementing the HCP/NCCP "on the ground," although some of the activities may be delegated to and carried out by contractors or partners such as land management agencies. The Habitat Conservancy's duties will consist of routine Plan activities such as identifying suitable conservation properties, undertaking survey and monitoring efforts on HCP/NCCP preserves, contacting neighboring landowners to explain coverage under the permit, maintaining a database of relevant preserve information, and tracking habitat losses and acquisition.

It will primarily be the Cities and the County's responsibility to receive and review applications for take coverage under the HCP/NCCP in their jurisdiction. The primary duties of the Habitat Conservancy related to HCP/NCCP applications is to provide training and support to local planning staff. View a summary of roles and responsibilities related to the application review process (PDF).