Land conservation: California Wildlife, Coastal, and Park Land Conservation Act: County of San Bernardino.

Senator Rubio's land conservation measure expands permissible uses for protected properties within San Bernardino County's Chino Agricultural Preserve, adding recreational facilities and historical preservation to existing agricultural and wildlife conservation purposes. The bill modifies how the county can utilize revenues from land transactions within the preserve, while maintaining requirements that such properties serve public conservation goals.

The legislation adjusts financial protocols by removing specific procedures for unexpended proceeds from land sales and exchanges. Instead, it authorizes the county to direct these revenues, along with income from preserve properties, toward acquiring additional land, maintaining existing parcels, and developing recreational amenities like playgrounds and venues. The bill prohibits granting these funds to private entities except for land acquisition and necessary maintenance services.

To implement these changes, the county must maintain detailed land planning requirements, including environmental reviews, public hearings, and Department of Parks and Recreation approvals. The department retains oversight through mandatory reviews of conservation easements, deed restrictions, and property appraisals. The county must also report comprehensively on all land transactions, expenditures, and acreage changes once its approved land plan is executed.