Department of Fish and Wildlife: beaver translocation.

Existing law establishes the Department of Fish and Wildlife and sets forth the duties of the department, which include administering various programs for the protection and conservation of fish and wildlife resources. Existing law, except as provided, authorizes any owner or tenant of land or property that is being damaged or destroyed or is in danger of being damaged or destroyed by certain animals, including, among others, the beaver, to apply to the department for a permit to kill the animals. Under existing law, it is unlawful for any person to trap any fur-bearing mammal for purposes of recreation or commerce in fur. A violation of any provision of the Fish and Game Code, or any rule, regulation, or order made or adopted under those provisions, is a misdemeanor, unless otherwise specified. This bill would require the department to develop a program to facilitate the translocation of beavers across California for conservation purposes, as provided. Because a violation of any rule, regulation, or order related to the beaver translocation program would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. 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.