Overview
California's fish and wildlife are severely impacted by illicit cannabis cultivation practices including unlawful water diversions for irrigation, conversion of lands, poaching, and use of prohibited herbicides, rodenticides, and other environmental contaminants. Learn about
how cannabis cultivation can impact the environment.
In 2017, Assembly Bill 243 (Wood, Medical Marijuana) provided direction to CDFW to restore watersheds impacted by cannabis cultivation in key areas of coastal Northern California. CDFW granted funds to four implementation projects, totaling approximately $1.3 million, for refuse and infrastructure removal, and replanting efforts.
In early 2020, through the Environmental Restoration and Protection Account and pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code section 34019(f)(2), a planning project was approved for approximately $1.1 million in grant fund to help restore the upper Eel River, which has been impacted by cannabis cultivation. See links below for further project details.
Currently, the Cannabis Restoration Grant Program has the opportunity to grant funds in support of partnerships to clean-up, remediate, and restore watersheds affected by cannabis cultivation, and related activities.
The
Cannabis Restoration Grant Program: Updates and Opportunities (YouTube)(opens in new tab) video provides general CDFW Cannabis Program background and build-out
followed by an overview of the Cannabis Restoration Grant Program, with details regarding available and developing funding opportunities.
Refuse and irrigation piping removed and organized
(left and top right) for helicopter removal from the Bull Creek
Watershed (bottom right).
Photos courtesy of the Watershed Restoration Grant Program and Eel River Watershed Improvement Group.