Protected species: authorized take: State Route 37 improvements.

Assembly Member Wilson's proposal to modify California's protected species regulations would create a framework for managing incidental takes of specific fully protected species during State Route 37 corridor improvements. The legislation permits the Department of Fish and Wildlife to authorize incidental takes of the salt-marsh harvest mouse, California clapper rail, California black rail, and white-tailed kite for transportation projects between Marin and Solano counties.

The authorization process requires projects to incorporate conservation measures that minimize species impacts and implement monitoring programs with adaptive management protocols. Covered projects include the Sears Point to Mare Island Improvement Project and initiatives outlined in the 2022 State Route 37 Planning and Environmental Linkages Study. The department must publish notifications in the California Regulatory Notice Register and allow 30 days for public comment before authorizing any takes.

The bill amends existing protections for fully protected birds and mammals while maintaining core prohibitions on taking these species except under specific circumstances. Permit conditions may be modified based on monitoring results, though projects remain subject to other applicable laws. The legislation establishes a structured approach for balancing infrastructure needs with species conservation through defined permitting processes, mandatory mitigation measures, and ongoing oversight requirements.