Which of the following best describes a Trustee Agency?

A Trustee Agency is best described as a public agency with authority over protected natural resources. This designation is crucial in environmental management because Trustee Agencies are entrusted with the stewardship and preservation of resources such as wildlife, parks, and coastlines that are essential for both ecological balance and community wellbeing. These agencies have specific responsibilities and authority to protect those resources, ensuring that they are managed sustainably and that any projects affecting them are conducted in a way that maintains their integrity.

In the context of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), while Trustee Agencies may operate under its jurisdiction, the defining characteristic lies in their role in managing natural resources rather than simply compliance monitoring or project implementation. Understanding the primary functions of these agencies highlights their importance in a broader environmental regulatory framework.