The state Assembly voted 43-28 Monday to approve Senate Bill 1431, legislation by state Sen. Patricia Wiggins, D – Santa Rosa, to enable the state Department of Parks and Recreation to expand the use of conservation easements to protect state parklands.

The Senate approved SB 1431 in April, meaning the bill has been sent to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for his consideration.

Wiggins’ office stated in a news release that SB 1431 clarifies that DPR is allowed to acquire a conservation easement if DPR determines that it is necessary to protect a unit of the state park system from an incompatible use or to preserve and enhance the natural resource, cultural, or historic value of a state park unit.

The Wiggins bill would also enable DPR to make grants to a state or local government agency, or a non-profit, to purchase and hold a conservation easement with funds that have been appropriated to the department for land acquisitions. Grant recipients would be required to monitor and enforce the easement and agree to restrict the use of the land in perpetuity.