Fish & G. Code, § 1017

(a) It is the policy of the state to anticipate and resolve potential conflicts between the management, conservation, and protection of fish and wildlife resources and their habitat and private and public activities that may affect them.

(b) Accordingly, the department may use such informal consultative procedures prior to taking any formal action as will assist in the achievement of this policy.

(c) Any costs incurred by the department in engaging in informal consultative procedures, including, but not limited to, fees charged by any neutral party acting in the capacity of a mediator, discussion facilitator, or convener, are a proper charge against any funds lawfully available to the department for this purpose.

(d) The authority conferred by this section is not intended, and shall not be construed, to increase, decrease, duplicate, or supersede any other authority of the department or the commission under this code or any other provision of law.

(e) As used in this section, “formal action” means the adoption, amendment, or repeal of any rule, regulation, or order; entering into, amending, or canceling an agreement; and the issuance, suspension, or revocation of any permit, license, or other entitlement.