(a)
In order to implement the soil conservation plan which is adopted by the soil conservation committee, the department shall conduct a study and propose an implementation strategy to meet the intent of the plan. The study shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)
An assessment of the structural and policy changes needed in the department to carry out the soil conservation plan.
(2)
A review of the provisions of Division 9 (commencing with Section 9000) for the purposes of providing a framework for soil conservation administration at the state and local levels.
(3)
Recommendations on how the department can best deliver soil conservation services.
The department shall report the results of this study to the Legislature on or before December 1, 1988.
(b)
The department shall conduct a study of resource conservation districts in California. The study shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)
A review of the provisions of Division 9 (commencing with Section 9000) to determine the changes in policy and structure necessary to enable resource conservation districts to better provide soil conservation assistance.
(2)
Recommendations on the consolidation and reorganization of resource conservation districts.
The department shall report the result of this study to the Legislature on or before December 1, 1989.
(c)
The department shall provide soil conservation advisory services to local governments, land owners, farmers and ranchers, resource conservation districts, and the general public. The services shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)
State level liaison with the resource conservation districts.
(2)
Review of environmental impact reports as required under the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000)).
(3)
Provision of information on the soil conservation components of the 1985 Food Security Act.
(4)
Assistance to local governments on the development of soil conservation guidelines for general plans.
(5)
Responding to inquiries from the general public.
From funds appropriated for purposes of this section, an amount, not to exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), shall be utilized for the purposes of this subdivision.