If the department determines that the proposed conservation easement meets the eligibility criteria set forth in Section 12251, the application shall be reviewed based upon the extent to which it satisfies the following selection criteria:
(a) The nature of the environmental values proposed for protection, and whether they can be monitored efficiently and effectively.
(b) Whether the parcels are likely to become isolated from other areas maintained for key forest resources by development on adjacent parcels.
(c) Whether the landowner’s management goal for his or her parcel is compatible with the resource protections he or she is proposing.
(d) Whether the landowner has developed, or commits to developing by the time the easement is finalized, a management plan equivalent to, or better than, a forest stewardship plan that governs management on the parcel.
(e) Whether a nonprofit land trust organization, public agency, or other suitable organization has expressed an interest in working with the department and the landowner to establish, hold, and monitor the easement.
(f) Whether other sources of funding for easement acquisition, closing costs, monitoring and other costs are available.
(g) Other relevant considerations established by the director.
(Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 657, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2008.)