It is the intent of the Legislature that this article accomplish all of the following:
- (a) Support and encourage voluntary, long-term private stewardship and conservation of California’s oak woodlands by offering landowners financial incentives to protect and promote biologically functional oak woodlands over time.
- (b) Provide incentives to protect and encourage farming and ranching operations that are operated in a manner that protects and promotes healthy oak woodlands.
- (c) Provide incentives for the protection of oak trees providing superior wildlife values on private lands.
- (d) Encourage local land use planning that is consistent with the preservation of oak woodlands, particularly special oak woodlands habitat elements.
- (e) Provide guidelines for spending the funds allocated for oak woodlands pursuant to the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000 (the Villaraigosa-Keeley Act (Chapter 1.692 (commencing with Section 5096.300) of Division 5 of the Public Resources Code)).
- (f) Establish a fund for oak woodlands conservation, to which future appropriations for oak woodlands protection may be made, and specify grant making guidelines.