CDFW Newshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/NewsCDFW Holding Public Workshops in Central and Southern California to Promote Grant Funding Opportunitieshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-holding-public-workshops-in-central-and-southern-california-to-promote-grant-funding-opportunitiesGrantsTue, 09 May 2023 15:39:50 GMTCDFW’s Restoration Grant Program is holding two in-person workshops in central and Southern California to provide information on various grant funding opportunities and the application process.<p><strong>Who:</strong> The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)</p> <p><strong>What: </strong>CDFW’s Restoration Grant Program is holding two in-person workshops in central and Southern California to provide information on various grant funding opportunities and the application process. Staff will present information on permitting tools available through the Cutting the Green Tape Program and the recently formed Cannabis Restoration Grant Program (CRGP).</p> <p><strong>When and Where: </strong><a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=211242&inline" target="_blank">On May 11, an in-person/virtual workshop will be held in Ventura (PDF) </a>at the County of Ventura, 800 S. Victoria Ave, Lower Plaza Assembly Room from 2:30 to 5 p.m. For the virtual option, click on the link above.</p> <p><a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=211243&inline" target="_blank">On May 12, an in-person workshop will be held in San Luis Obispo (PDF)</a> at the California Conservation Corps, 1530 Madera Ave., Dining Hall Room from 10 a.m. to noon.</p> <p><strong>Why:</strong> In 2022, CDFW’s Restoration Grant Program <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/cdfw-announces-the-availability-of-200-million-in-new-grant-funding-under-drought-climate-and-nature-based-solutions-initiatives#gsc.tab=0">announced the availability of $200 million in new funding opportunities</a>, including $100 million in emergency drought funding for protecting salmon against drought and climate change. Funding under the Addressing Climate Impacts and Nature-Based Solutions initiatives provides support for projects addressing water and habitat impacted by climate change, as well as restoring wetlands and mountain meadows, and creating wildlife corridors. This funding also supports key initiatives including <a href="https://www.californianature.ca.gov/pages/30x30" target="_blank">conserving 30 percent</a> of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030, while increasing the pace and scale of projects through the Cutting Green Tape Initiative. More information about these funding opportunities can be found at <a href="www.wildlife.ca.gov/grants">www.wildlife.ca.gov/grants</a>.</p> <p>CRGP is committed to promoting ecosystem restoration and ecological health in collaboration with a diversity of stakeholders. In 2023, CRGP announced $20 million in funding opportunities for Tribes, public agencies and non-profit organizations interested in restoring ecosystem function, improving habitat connectivity and assisting cultivators to become fully licensed. CRGP funded projects include enhancing fish and wildlife habitat for listed and sensitive species, restoring ecological resilience, improving water conservation and irrigation efficiency, sustainable agriculture practices and road improvement projects that reduce sedimentation. You can learn more about <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/cdfws-cannabis-grant-program-announces-availability-of-over-20-million-in-funding-for-qualified-cultivator-and-watershed-enhancement-projects#gsc.tab=0">recent funding opportunities through CRGP’s latest announcement</a>.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Janice.Mackey@wildlife.ca.gov">Janice Mackey</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 207-7891<br /> <a href="mailto:Lauren.Barva@wildlife.ca.gov">Lauren Barva</a>, CDFW Grant Program, (916) 376-8637</em></p> CDFW Awards $11 Million for Fisheries Habitat Restoration Program Projectshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-awards-11-million-for-fisheries-habitat-restoration-program-projectsHabitat RestorationThu, 29 Dec 2022 10:04:40 GMTThe California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) today announced the selection of 25 projects that will receive funding for the restoration, enhancement and protection of anadromous salmonid habitat in California watersheds.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) today announced the selection of 25 projects that will receive funding for the restoration, enhancement and protection of anadromous salmonid habitat in California watersheds.</p> <p>The grants, which total $11 million, were awarded through CDFW’s Fisheries Restoration Grant Program (FRGP). FRGP was first established in 1981 and since 2000 has included funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, established by Congress to reverse the declines of Pacific salmon and steelhead throughout California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska.</p> <p>“As California continually feels the effects of climate change, rising sea levels, prolonged drought, more extreme temperatures and extreme precipitation events, restoring degraded river ecosystems is more important than ever before,” CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham said. “These FRGP funded projects will help restore the refugia salmonids need.”</p> <p>In response to the 2022 Fisheries Habitat Restoration Grant Solicitation, CDFW received 50 proposals requesting more than $38 million in funding. As a competitive grant program, proposals underwent a rigorous technical review process which included CDFW and NOAA scientists.</p> <p>The 25 approved projects will further the objectives of state and federal fisheries recovery plans, including removing barriers to fish migration, restoring riparian habitat, recovering wildfire impacts detrimental to rivers, and creating a more resilient and sustainably managed water resources system (e.g., water supply, water quality and habitat) that can better withstand drought conditions. These projects further the goals of California’s Water Action Plan and CDFW’s State Wildlife Action Plan, as well as addressing limiting factors specified in state and federal recovery plans.</p> <p>The list of approved projects is available on the <a href="https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Grants/FRGP/Funded">FRGP website</a>.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Matt.Wells@wildlife.ca.gov">Matt Wells</a>, Watershed Restoration Grants Branch, (916) 216-7848<br /> <a href="mailto:Ken.Paglia@wildlife.ca.gov">Ken Paglia</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120</em></p> CDFW Announces the Availability of $200 million in New Grant Funding Under Drought, Climate and Nature-Based Solutions Initiativeshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-announces-the-availability-of-200-million-in-new-grant-funding-under-drought-climate-and-nature-based-solutions-initiativesGrantsWed, 30 Nov 2022 12:46:32 GMTCDFW has announced the availability of over $200 million in new funding for multi-benefit ecosystem restoration and protection projects under Drought, Climate and Nature-Based Solutions Initiatives.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced the availability of over $200 million in new funding for multi-benefit ecosystem restoration and protection projects under Drought, Climate and Nature-Based Solutions Initiatives. This new funding for restoration and protection of critical habitat and watersheds statewide also supports key initiatives including conserving 30 percent of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030 under California’s 30x30 initiative, Nature-Based Solutions, and increasing the pace and scale of restoration through Cutting the Green Tape.</p> <p>CDFW has also launched a new <a href="/Conservation/Watersheds/Restoration-Grants/Concept-Application">online application portal</a> to receive applications for grant funding under these new initiatives. As part of its Cutting the Green Tape efforts, this streamlined application and review process will remain available on an ongoing basis, allowing applicants to submit one application for consideration under multiple funding streams. CDFW is accelerating the review and approval process under this funding with the goal to review and approve the award for grants for selected projects within 30 days of receipt. Following awards, CDFW will work to develop agreements for awarded projects.</p> <p>“The time to act is right now because California’s ecosystems face dire conditions for our species,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “This funding is absolutely the push we all need to put some largescale projects across the finish line.”</p> <p>An overview of the new funding available for restoration, including grants, is as follows:</p> <p><strong>Drought Emergency: Protecting Salmon - $100 million</strong></p> <p>In response to current drought conditions, the California Legislature authorized $100 million to allow CDFW to protect and restore salmon in 2022 and 2023. This funding will support restoration and protection projects that enhance salmon resiliency to drought and climate change.</p> <p>CDFW also plans to dedicate $20 million of this funding within the Klamath River Watershed to projects demonstrating support from and collaboration with Tribes and landowner interests. This $20 million will be available as follows:</p> <ul> <li>Up to $10 million available for projects within the Scott River and its tributaries; and</li> <li>Up to $10 million available for projects within the Shasta River and its tributaries</li> </ul> <p><strong>Nature-Based Solutions</strong></p> <p>Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2020 <a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/10.07.2020-EO-N-82-20-signed.pdf" target="_blank">Executive Order N-82-20 (PDF)</a> outlines a comprehensive and results-oriented agenda to expand nature-based solutions across California, advancing an approach to restoration that works with and enhances nature to help address societal challenges. Two new programs within CDFW will work toward this goal.</p> <p><em>Wetlands and Mountain Meadows Restoration</em></p> <p>As part of the <a href="https://resources.ca.gov/Initiatives/Expanding-Nature-Based-Solutions" target="_blank">Nature-Based Solutions Initiative</a>, up to $54 million is available for projects that restore or enhance wetlands and mountain meadow ecosystems with quantifiable greenhouse gas reduction benefits, consistent with the <a href="https://resources.ca.gov/-/media/CNRA-Website/Files/Initiatives/Expanding-Nature-Based-Solutions/CNRA-Report-2022---Final_Accessible_Compressed.pdf" target="_blank">Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy (PDF)</a> and <a href="https://www.californianature.ca.gov/pages/30x30" target="_blank">Pathways to 30x30</a>. The program will also support pilot projects for CDFW's forthcoming Beaver Restoration Program.</p> <p><em>Wildlife Corridors</em></p> <p>Up to $42 million under Nature-Based Solutions will be available for CDFW for connectivity planning and implementation projects consistent with the <a href="/SWAP">State Wildlife Action Plan</a>, the <a href="/Science-Institute/Habitat-Connectivity#56328970-terrestrial-habitat-connectivity">state’s efforts on connectivity</a>, and the <a href="https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/legislative-affairs/documents/fish_passage_report_2020-final-a11y.pdf" target="_blank">Fish Passage Annual Legislative Report (PDF)</a> or efforts to allow fish and wildlife the freedom to roam in California by accelerating fish and wildlife corridor projects.</p> <p><strong>Addressing Climate Impacts</strong></p> <p>Up to $35 million is available to support projects addressing urgent degrading water and habitat conditions due to climate change impacts, including for grants. Eligible uses of these funds include purchasing water from willing sellers to benefit wildlife, protecting instream flows, building water conservation projects, implementing emergency restoration activities and conservation strategies identified in the State Wildlife Action Plan with a priority on actions that protect the Species of Greatest Conservation Need identified in the plan.</p> <p>CDFW has developed a single set of General Grant Program Guidelines with an overview of eligible project types, priorities and information on the application process, available at <a href="/Conservation/Watersheds/Restoration-Grants/Concept-Application">wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Watersheds/Restoration-Grants/Concept-Application</a>. Applications submitted under these new initiatives may also be considered for further evaluation under CDFW’s Proposition 1 and Proposition 68 Grant Programs, and a separate call for projects will also be released for these programs in early 2023.</p> <p>More information about these funding opportunities, including guidelines and how to apply, general information about CDFW’s grant programs, as well as a schedule for upcoming grant solicitations, once available, can be found at <a href="/grants">wildlife.ca.gov/Grants</a>.</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts</strong>:<br /> <a href="mailto:matt.wells@wildlife.ca.gov">Matt Wells</a>, CDFW Watershed Restoration Grant Branch, (916) 216-7848<br /> <a href="mailto:ken.paglia@wildlife.ca.gov">Ken Paglia</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120</em></p> <p>###</p> Get Outside and Make a Difference During California Invasive Species Action Weekhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/get-outside-and-make-a-difference-during-california-invasive-species-action-weekSpeciesFri, 03 Jun 2022 08:42:00 GMTThe ninth annual California Invasive Species Action Week (CISAW) runs from Saturday, June 4 through Sunday, June 12, 2022. Sponsored by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), this week provides an opportunity for Californians to learn about the hundreds of harmful non-native plants and animals that threaten our state’s natural resources, ecology and economy.<p>The ninth annual California Invasive Species Action Week (CISAW) runs from Saturday, June 4 through Sunday, June 12, 2022. Sponsored by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), this week provides an opportunity for Californians to learn about the hundreds of harmful non-native plants and animals that threaten our state’s natural resources, ecology and economy.</p> <p><img alt="California Invasive Species Action Week logo" src="/Portals/0/Images/OCEO/News/CISAW-logo.png" style="width: 40%; float: right;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Historically, agencies, non-profits and volunteer organizations across the state have teamed up to host events for CISAW. As the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, the format now includes both in-person and virtual events such as webinars and videos. Volunteer opportunities can be found in all parts of the state, such as:</p> <ul> <li>Attend a habitat restoration event at Trinidad State Beach near Humboldt where volunteers will pitch in to pull up ivy and other invasive non-native species.</li> <li>Join Friends of Five Creeks in Berkeley in their efforts to eradicate invasive foxtails from near Codornices Creek.</li> <li>Protect the American River Parkway in Sacramento by removing broom with the American River Parkway Foundation.</li> <li>Help protect and restore coastal dune and bluff scrub habitats at Half Moon Bay State Beach by assisting with the removal of invasive cape ivy, mustard, thistles and hemlock from coastal scrub areas.</li> <li>Be a “Weed Warrior” at Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego, by assisting with efforts to remove non-native grasses and other invasive plants from the landscape.</li> </ul> <p>Get details for these events and find many more by visiting the <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Action-Week">CISAW schedule</a> on CDFW’s website.</p> <p>You can also watch webinars and learn about how you can stop the spread of invasive species by taking small, everyday actions, such as landscaping with native plants, not releasing unwanted pets into the wild, reporting invasive species findings, and cleaning, draining and drying gear when recreating in bodies of water. The CISAW website lists simple actions Californians can take all year long while visiting natural areas, boating or fishing, or at home. Join our <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=202242&inline" target="_blank">Digital Scavenger Hunt</a> and track invasive species in your local neighborhood or park!</p> <p>On Friday, June 10, CDFW will announce the winners of the annual California Invasive Species Youth Art Contest on social media. This year’s theme was “Unite to Fight Invasive Species!”</p> <p>The mission of CDFW’s Invasive Species Program is to reduce the impacts of invasive species on the wildlands and waterways of California. The program is involved in efforts to prevent the introduction of these species into the state, detect and respond to introductions when they occur and prevent the spread of those species that have established. For questions or more information about CISAW, please contact <a href="mailto:invasives@wildlife.ca.gov">invasives@wildlife.ca.gov</a>.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Elizabeth.Brusati@wildlife.ca.gov">Elizabeth Brusati</a>, CDFW Invasive Species Program<br /> <a href="mailto:Kirsten.Macintyre@wildlife.ca.gov">Kirsten Macintyre</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714</em></p> <p><strong>Photo:</strong> Two young estuary explorers plant whistlestop at Elkhorn Slough as part of an invasive species removal effort. CDFW photo.</p> New Surcharge on Bird Hunting Validations to Provide Nesting Habitat for Waterfowl, Upland Game Birds in Californiahttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/new-surcharge-on-bird-hunting-validations-to-provide-nesting-habitat-for-waterfowl-upland-game-birds-in-californiaWildlifeMon, 28 Mar 2022 12:43:54 GMTState legislation to incentivize the creation of upland nesting habitat for ducks and other ground-nesting game birds in California will result in a $10 surcharge on the price of both the California Duck Validation and the Upland Game Bird Validation next hunting season.<p><strong><span style="font-size:20px;">JOINT NEWS RELEASE:</span><br /> California Department of Fish and Wildlife<br /> California Waterfowl Association</strong></p> <p>State legislation to incentivize the creation of upland nesting habitat for ducks and other ground-nesting game birds in California will result in a $10 surcharge on the price of both the California Duck Validation and the Upland Game Bird Validation next hunting season.</p> <p>For the 2022-23 hunting license year, the cost of the California Duck Validation will increase to $34.56 ($23.25 in 2021-22). The Upland Game Bird Validation will cost $21.60 ($10.54 in 2021-22).</p> <p>The bird hunting validations, along with 2022-23 hunting licenses, tags and related items, will be available for purchase beginning April 15. The $10 surcharge is added to the annual price increase mandated by state law ($1.31 for the California Duck Validation and $1.06 for the Upland Game Bird Validation). The legislation requiring the $10 surcharge for each validation does not apply to validations included with the Lifetime Bird Hunting Privilege Package purchased by Lifetime Hunting License holders.</p> <p>AB 614 by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) was sponsored by the California Waterfowl Association (CWA) and signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom last October. The resulting $10 surcharge is expected to generate more than $2 million annually to fund the Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program, which will be administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to benefit nesting mallards and other puddle ducks, wild ring-necked pheasants, pollinators and other grassland-dependent species. All revenue generated from the validation surcharge must be dedicated to the program by law and cannot be diverted to other uses.</p> <p>“I am proud that CWA sponsored this important legislation, and I am excited to see it implemented on the ground,” said CWA President John Carlson Jr. “Once again, hunters are taking the financial lead to ensure that our nesting bird populations have the habitat necessary to be successful.”</p> <p>The Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program is designed to provide financial incentives to California landowners to cultivate or retain upland cover and other vegetation to benefit nesting wildlife. The funding can also be used to support habitat work on state wildlife areas and national wildlife refuges open to public hunting.</p> <p>As a result of drought and water shortages, thousands of acres rice fields and other farmland throughout the state were fallowed last year. The Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program will soon be able to offer those farmers financial payments to plant their fallowed fields in cover crops and other beneficial vegetation to provide productive nesting habitat for ducks, pheasants and other wildlife.</p> <p>The Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program was originally created by California Waterfowl-sponsored legislation signed by then-Gov. Jerry Brown in 2018. The program’s funding was tied to Proposition 3, a water infrastructure and conservation bond measure ultimately rejected by voters. The program has been unfunded until the passage of AB 614 last year, which provides the funding mechanism.</p> <p>California’s breeding population of ducks has experienced declines commensurate with the loss of breeding habitat. Habitat loss and changing agricultural crops and practices have eliminated upland habitat near water that mallards and other species need to nest successfully.</p> <p>Upland bird hunters have been front-row witnesses to the wild pheasant decline in California. Once the source of opening-day festivities and traditions of all kinds across California’s rural farm communities, wild ring-necked pheasants are an important indicator species in addition to being a popular game bird.</p> <p>Wild pheasants require the same sort of contiguous, healthy upland and grassland habitat needed by pollinators, native songbirds and nesting waterfowl. Habitat restoration to benefit wild pheasants and nesting ducks is also expected to have positive ramifications for other native species.</p> <p>The California Duck Validation is required of adults hunting waterfowl in California. The Upland Game Bird Validation is required of adults hunting resident and migratory upland game birds in California. All proceeds from the validations go directly to waterfowl and upland game bird conservation, to support hunting opportunities and for education and outreach.</p> <p>During the current 2021-22 hunting license year, which ends June 30, 2022, CDFW has sold 66,644 California Duck Validations and 147,574 Upland Game Bird Validations, not including validations issued to lifetime license holders.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>About the California Department of Fish and Wildlife</strong></em><br /> <em>The mission of the Department of Fish and Wildlife is to manage California's diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.</em></p> <p><em><strong>About the California Waterfowl Association</strong></em><br /> <em>The California Waterfowl Association is a 501c3 organization whose mission is to grow California’s waterfowl populations, wetlands and hunter-conservationist communities. Our vision is a California with thriving waterfowl populations, vibrant wetland ecosystems and respected hunting communities.</em></p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong></em><br /> <em><a href="mailto:Peter.Tira@wildlife.ca.gov">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858<br /> <a href="mailto:mhennelly@calwaterfowl.org">Mark Hennelly</a>, California Waterfowl Association, (916) 612-0230</em></p>