The county no longer operates gopher inspection seasons. If you want gopher inspection or were previously advised to get it, the permit process has changed. 

The county’s plan to locally manage permitting that affects the Mazama pocket gopher and other Endangered Species Act listed animals in our area was approved July 1, 2022 by the federal agency, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Now, if you apply for a building permit that will impact the habitat of these gophers, you can use the county’s Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) permitting process anytime during the year.

• Find permit applications and information on the Permitting Applications & Forms page.  Scroll down to HCP.
• If Your Property was Already Inspected for gophers 
  • Properties that fully completed gopher inspection and meet certain criteria may not be required to use the county’s HCP permit process.
  • Go to Properties Already Inspected to learn about the possible next steps in your application process.
  • Contact the gopher inspection project manager with questions. 
• Working with with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
  • If you prefer, you can apply to U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for permits, and prepare your own habitat conservation plan with the federal agency that manages the Endangered Species Act. Learn more about Preparing Your Own Federal HCP. 
• Learn more about the county's Habitat Conservation Plan