Wildlife management areas: mosquito abatement.

(1) Existing law provides for the formation of mosquito abatement and vector control districts, and prescribes the powers, functions, and duties of those districts, as specified. The existing Fish and Game Code authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife to take specified actions to protect, restore, rehabilitate, and improve fish and wildlife habitat. Statutory provisions that were repealed on January 1, 2010, required a mosquito abatement and vector control district whose boundaries include one or more wildlife management areas to periodically, or at least semiannually, notify the department of those areas that exceed locally established mosquito population thresholds and associated mosquito control costs. This bill would require a mosquito abatement and vector control district that includes one or more wildlife management areas, as defined, or in which vectors and vectorborne diseases from a wildlife management area may enter the district, to periodically, or at least semiannually, notify the department of those areas that are of concern due to the potential for high mosquito populations that may incur associated mosquito control costs. By requiring local agencies to provide the notification, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would require the department to consult with local mosquito abatement and vector control districts to identify those areas within wildlife management areas having the highest need for additional mosquito reduction through the implementation of best management practices, as defined. (2) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.