Governor Gavin Newsome | Official website
California is accelerating environmental restoration efforts through the Cutting Green Tape program, introduced by the state's Department of Fish and Wildlife in 2021. The initiative aims to simplify the regulatory process for habitat restoration projects, which are often delayed by bureaucratic procedures. Since its launch, the program has facilitated the completion of over 500 projects, leading to the restoration of nearly 200,000 acres and the enhancement of more than 700 miles of streams.
Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged the program's success, stating, "We’re unleashing projects from being stuck in endless paperwork and bureaucracy – all to support California’s thriving biodiversity."
The program is reported to have saved approximately $10 million in permitting costs, allowing these funds to be redirected toward environmental preservation.
A significant development came with the issuance of the first expanded Restoration Management Permit (RMP), consolidating five common approvals into one. This new permit was granted to the San Mateo Resource Conservation District for a project aimed at improving fish habitats along Little Butano Creek. CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham remarked, “Making it faster and easier to approve restoration projects has huge benefits for people and wildlife alike."
The project's location in the Pescadero Creek watershed seeks to enhance nearly 1,000 feet of aquatic habitat and 3.52 acres of riparian and wetland habitats, benefiting several species, including coho salmon and steelhead trout.
Kellyx Nelson, Executive Director of San Mateo RCD, commented on the RMP's impact, "The Restoration Management Permit is a game changer, enabling us to complete high-priority habitat restoration, like the project on Little Butano Creek, much more quickly and cost-effectively in partnership with CDFW."
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