Having been in Santa Cruz County for over 30 years, the NRCS and RCD have a long-term understanding of issues faced by local landowners and land managers. Traditionally, when we have offered farmers and landowners technical assistance or cost-sharing for conservation practices, it has been their responsibility to obtain and pay for the associated permits, prior to the onset of construction. After recognizing that the process of applying for, obtaining, and paying for permits was a significant barrier for farmers and landowners desiring to implement voluntary conservation measures, the Permit Coordination program was born.