News and Updates
Science and Research Grant Program 2023
The Conservancy is soliciting proposals for its 2023 cycle of the Science and Research Grant Program.
The Conservancy's Science and Research Grant Program funds research that endeavors to illuminate, and where possible to resolve, uncertainties associated with management of the natural communities and species covered by the HCP. Research selected for funding will aid in achieving the biological goals and objectives of the Plan and inform management actions and/or contribute to the general understanding of a covered species.
Proposals must be submitted electronically as a PDF to Maureen Parkes at maureen.parkes@dcd.cccounty.us by Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 5 p.m.
See the Request for Proposals and additional info
PAC Members Needed
The Conservancy is seeking four (4) individuals or organization representatives to serve on the Public Advisory Committee to provide input on the implementation of the Plan to the Conservancy's Governing Board. The current vacancies are for:
- 1 private permit seeker from the development community
- 1 representative from the conservation community
- 1 private landowner and/or agriculturalist (or their representatives)
- 1 suburban or rural resident from the Plan Area
For more information, view the application materials. Applications are due by April 5, 2023 at 5 p.m.
Mitigation Fee Audit and Nexus Study 2023
On February 27, 2023 at 2 p.m. the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy Governing Board will consider a nexus study that supports changes to the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan and Natural Community Conservation Plan (HCP/NCCP) development fee and wetland mitigation fee, including potential fee increases, in accordance with section 9.3.1 of the HCP/NCCP.
The meeting will be conducted remotely. See complete meeting information, including a copy of the nexus study and instructions to access and participate in the meeting.
Issuance of Regional General Permit 1
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District, (Corps) has issued Regional General Permit (RGP) 1 for activities that would cause no more than minimal adverse impacts to the aquatic environment within the Plan Area of the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan (HCP/NCCP, or “Plan”).
This RGP authorizes specific categories of activities that meet the terms and conditions of the RGP and applies only to HCP/NCCP Covered Activities. The loss of waters of the United States (WOUS) (including wetlands) resulting from individual project impacts may not exceed a total of 1.5 acres or more than 300 linear feet of perennial, intermittent or 3rd or higher order ephemeral streams (as defined in Table 2 of the RGP and further described in the HCP/NCCP). The three-year permit will expire on December 1, 2025.
The full document with terms, general conditions, and notification details can be found below:
Read Regional General Permit 1 SPK-2001-00147 (PDF)
2021 Annual Report and Year in Review
The Conservancy has completed its 2021 Annual Report and Year in Review documents.
Mitigation Fee Adjustments
The East Contra Costa County (ECCC) Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan (HCP/NCCP) mitigation fees are adjusted an on annual basis, no later than March 15 of each year, pursuant to the cost indices and formulas prescribed in the HCP/NCCP. The 2022 fees were adjusted March 10, 2022. New mitigation fee calculators can be found on the Project Permitting page.