(a) If the director determines that the requirements of this chapter are met for California natural landmark designation, including the consent of the owner to that designation, the director shall designate the property as a California natural landmark.
(1) If the director designates the property as a California natural landmark, the department shall notify the owner, as well as interested parties notified pursuant to subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 5865, of that designation.
(2) The property shall be added to the California Registry of Natural Landmarks.
(b) (1) If the owner of the property requests it, after the director designates the property as a California natural landmark, the department may provide the owner, at no cost to the owner, with a certificate, signed by the director, that recognizes the owner’s interest in protecting and managing the property in a manner that prevents the loss or deterioration of the values on which California natural landmark designation is based.
(2) The department may also provide, at the cost of the owner, a plaque for display in or near the California natural landmark. Upon the owner’s request, and to the extent the department’s resources permit, the department may help arrange and participate in a presentation ceremony. After presentation of a plaque, the department retains ownership of the plaque. If the California natural landmark designation is rescinded, the department may reclaim the plaque.
(3) By accepting a certificate or plaque, the owner does not give up any of the rights or privileges of ownership or use of the California natural landmark, and the department does not acquire any interest in the California natural landmark.
(Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 827, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2007.)