Which agency is particularly associated with the alteration of streams and waterways in California?

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is particularly associated with the alteration of streams and waterways in California because its mission includes the management and conservation of the state's fish and wildlife resources, which closely ties into the health and regulation of aquatic ecosystems. This agency oversees regulations that protect fish habitats, water quality, and the overall ecological balance in freshwater environments. It plays a crucial role in permitting and monitoring activities that may impact these waterways.

The other agencies, while they have important functions, generally focus on different aspects of environmental management. For example, the California Environmental Protection Agency is broader in scope, dealing with air, water, and waste pollution overall rather than specifically focusing on streams and waterways. The State Lands Commission primarily manages state-owned lands and resources, while the California Coastal Commission focuses specifically on coastal and ocean resources, not the broader alteration of inland waterways. Thus, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is the most relevant agency when discussing the alteration of California's streams and waterways.