CDFW News

WCB Approves $80.4 Million for Wildlife Connectivity, Salmon Recovery, Biodiversity and Public Access Projects

Thu, 28 May 2026 15:22:01 GMT

Funding Will Protect Biodiversity Hotspots and Expand Access to Nature Across California

The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) approved $80,450,797 in grants for 23 projects across 16 counties to protect biodiversity, restore wildlife habitat and expand public access to nature. The board met today at the California Natural Resources Agency headquarters in Sacramento.

Among these, seven projects advance the California Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future (PDF), restoring floodplains, improving stream function and enhancing habitat for coho salmon, Chinook salmon and steelhead trout. Projects also include investments in wildlife corridors, wildfire resiliency, wildlife-oriented recreation and butterfly pollinators.

WCB’s grants advance Gov. Gavin Newsom’s goal of conserving 30 percent of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030, a globally adopted target known as 30x30. The initiative seeks to protect biodiversity, expand access to nature for all Californians and adapt to climate change.

Investing in the Governor’s Salmon Strategy

A $29.3 million grant to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), in cooperation with the Sutter Extension Water District (SEWD) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, will remove the Sunset Weir on the Feather River near Live Oak in Sutter County. The project will restore fish passage to 28.5 miles of upstream habitat for Central Valley Chinook salmon, steelhead and green sturgeon. It will also restore more natural flow patterns, reconnect sediment movement and improve overall river function. Additional work includes fish screens, diversion upgrades and bank stabilization.

“We’ve talked about removing Sunset Weir for decades. This funding and our partnership with SEWD will finally make it possible,” said James Newcomb, deputy director of natural infrastructure and ecosystem resilience with DWR. “This project restores more natural river function while continuing to support local water management needs.”

A $4 million grant to California Trout Inc. (CalTrout) will restore approximately 500 acres of historic tidal marsh on the Cannibal Island Unit of the Eel River Wildlife Area in Humboldt County. The project will reconnect the site to tidal flow by removing fill and outdated infrastructure, improving habitat for coho salmon, Chinook salmon, steelhead and other native species while increasing resilience to sea level rise.

“The Eel River estuary is one of California’s most important coastal ecosystems for native fish and local communities, and Cannibal Island sits right at its heart,” said Christine Davis, North Coast regional manager of CalTrout. “With WCB’s investment, we can restore tidal flow, improve flood resilience and rebuild the habitat juvenile salmon and steelhead need to recover.”

A $2.96 million grant to the Watershed Research and Training Center (WRTC) will restore 27 acres of floodplain and riparian habitat on Salt Creek in Trinity County, a tributary to the Klamath River. The project will reconnect the creek to its floodplain, improve habitat complexity for salmonids and reduce erosion risks to nearby infrastructure while improving groundwater and summer baseflow conditions. The Yurok Tribe Construction Corporation will conduct all heavy equipment grading and construction tasks.

“Restoring cool summer baseflow, fish passage, groundwater connectivity and floodplain function at the mouth of Salt Creek are foundational elements for improving salmon and steelhead habitat throughout the watershed,” said Joshua Smith, watershed stewardship program director for WRTC. “This site has been heavily damaged by mining, but it represents one of the largest groundwater recharge opportunities for salmonids in the basin, and WCB support is crucial.”

Enhancing Biodiversity, Resilience and Public Access at Park Ranch

An $8 million grant to Western Rivers Conservancy (WRC) and Alpine County will acquire 1,688 acres near Markleeville to protect wet meadows, springs, riparian habitat, mixed conifer forest and sage-steppe in the Eastern Sierra. The property provides habitat for Lahontan cutthroat trout, Sierra Nevada red fox, western bumblebee and monarch butterfly, while improving connectivity with nearby public lands. Alpine County plans to manage the property for conservation and year-round public access, including hiking, fishing, hunting and winter recreation. Continued grazing will help reduce fuel loads and support wildfire resilience.

“We are deeply grateful to the Wildlife Conservation Board for its commitment to the East Fork Carson River, Alpine County and all who depend on and care about this outstanding river,” said Nelson Mathews, president of WRC. “Conserving Park Ranch will help protect cold water for native fish, safeguard an important migration corridor for mule deer and other wildlife, build wildfire resiliency and preserve the scenic character that makes the East Fork Carson such a special place.”

“This funding will create a permanent, community-managed wildlife preserve that reduces wildfire risk through compatible grazing and expands public access for future generations,” said Samuel R. Booth, Alpine County executive officer.

Protecting Connected Landscapes in Southern California

A $5.9 million grant to the Endangered Habitats Conservancy (EHC) will acquire 1,226 acres near Jamul in San Diego County to protect habitat supporting species including Hermes copper butterfly, Quino checkerspot butterfly and California red-legged frog. The property strengthens a regional wildlife corridor linking conserved lands across eastern San Diego County and expands long-term habitat protection within the Skyline conservation complex.

“The Skyline North Phase II project will conserve a large, biologically diverse and beautiful landscape of oak woodland, riparian and chaparral communities,” said Michael Beck, executive director of EHC. “This acquisition protects a critical regional wildlife linkage supporting threatened species including the Hermes copper butterfly, southwestern pond turtle and California red-legged frog.”

Expanding Pollinator Habitat and Landscape Connectivity

A $1.87 million grant to the Sierra Resource Conservation District (SRCD) will restore 100 acres of pollinator and riparian habitat and establish more than 26,000 linear feet of hedgerows across Fresno County. The project supports monarch butterfly conservation while improving habitat connectivity across agricultural and urban landscapes.

“Immense habitat loss and ecosystem disruption throughout the San Joaquin Valley threatens our region’s resiliency and quality of life. Cultural knowledge of these ecosystems and how to steward them is at risk of being lost,” said Leierin Carney, restoration projects manager for the Sierra Resource Conservation District. “By expanding habitat across farms, school sites and county parks, and supporting trainings rooted in Traditional Ecological Knowledge, this project will help build the next generation of land stewards.”

About the Wildlife Conservation Board

Established in 1947, the Wildlife Conservation Board protects, restores and enhances California’s spectacular natural resources for wildlife and the public’s use and enjoyment. WCB works in partnership with Tribes, conservation groups, government agencies and the people of California to safeguard biodiversity and expand access to nature.

For more information about WCB, visit wcb.ca.gov. To explore the newly funded projects, visit WCB’s StoryMaps pages.

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Media Contact:
Mark Topping, WCB Communications, (916) 539-4673

CDFW Releases Ocean Salmon Harvest Tracking Tools

Fri, 22 May 2026 13:47:49 GMT

CDFW Releases Ocean Salmon Harvest Tracking Tools

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is pleased to announce the launch of new digital tools to track the recreational and commercial in-season harvests of ocean salmon.

The new tools, available at CDFW’s Ocean Salmon Fishery Information page, will allow recreational anglers to easily track the number of salmon caught and number of salmon remaining under each regional harvest guideline. In-season management allows fishery managers to close salmon seasons early should harvest guidelines be reached.

With recreational and commercial ocean salmon fishing seasons underway, anglers may be interested in knowing how much catch has accrued, and when fisheries in each area will close.

“We’re excited to give salmon anglers the data they need to better plan their fishing seasons while at the same time leveraging technology to support in-season management and sustainable fisheries,” said CDFW Director Meghan Hertel.

Sport anglers can expect to see updates to the recreational catch tracker twice a month throughout the duration of the salmon season. Recreational catch estimates are calculated based on half-month sample periods, broken out into the first half and second half of each month. The recreational catch tracker will be updated following the conclusion of each sample period. Updates may become more frequent when total catch is approaching a harvest guideline. Any notices of fishery closures will be posted on the page when they are determined.

The 2026 recreational ocean salmon fishery opened in the Monterey area south of Pigeon Point (37°11’ N. Latitude) to the U.S.-Mexico border on April 11. Opening day for the California Klamath Management Zone and Fort Bragg area (from the California/Oregon Border south to Point Arena, 38° 57.5’ N. Latitude) is June 13, and the San Francisco (Point Arena to Pigeon Point) area will open June 27. Each fishing area is managed under a regional specific harvest guideline. Fishing will continue through scheduled open periods between June and August or until the harvest guideline is reached, whichever occurs first. Fishing will reopen in September for a portion of the San Francisco area and in the Monterey area under a separate fall harvest guideline.

Anglers are always advised to check for updated information when planning an ocean salmon fishing trip. Season dates, bag limits, possession rules and gear restrictions can be found on CDFW’s Ocean Salmon Fishery Information page. Public notification of any in-season change to regulations is made through the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (800) 662-9825 or the CDFW Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (707) 576-3429.

Annual state regulations for ocean salmon automatically conform to federal regulations set by NMFS using the process described in Section 1.95(b)(2), Title 14, California Code of Regulations. Federal regulations for ocean salmon fisheries off California were published in the Federal Register (91 FR 29092) on May 19, 2026, and took effect on May 16, 2026.

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Kandice Morgenstern, CDFW Marine Region, (707) 494-4621
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714 

Chinook Fishing to Reopen on Klamath, Trinity and Sacramento Rivers After 3-Year Closure

Tue, 12 May 2026 16:02:59 GMT

Following three consecutive years of closure, salmon fishing will return to the Klamath River Basin and Sacramento River for the upcoming summer and fall seasons. More good news comes for inland anglers with a full season on the Feather, American and Mokelumne rivers after a shortened season in 2025. These added fishing opportunities come as a result of an increase in numbers of adult Chinook salmon returning from the ocean to the Klamath Basin and Central Valley.

The California Fish and Game Commission at its May 6 meeting adopted amendments to sport fishing regulations specifying season dates, bag and possession limits for the Klamath River Basin and Central Valley, and a quota for the Klamath and Trinity rivers. The adopted regulations aim to protect salmon as populations are expected to continue to rebound as a result of actions guided by California's Salmon Strategy for a Hotter Drier Future (PDF).

“The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is incredibly encouraged to see our public and private collaborative efforts pay off, allowing us to expand opportunities for California’s dedicated angling community while maintaining a steadfast commitment to long-term population recovery,” said CDFW Director Meghan Hertel. “It is a moment of genuine celebration for everyone invested in the health of our watersheds. CDFW looks forward to seeing anglers return to the Klamath Basin and Central Valley for fishing and fun on the river.”

Increases in hatchery production, investments in salmon research and habitat restoration projects, a series of good water years, dam removals and inland and ocean fishery closures have all aligned to bring Chinook and with that, Chinook fishing, back to the Klamath River Basin and Central Valley.

For the Klamath Basin, fishing will open for late spring-run Chinook salmon July 1 and will continue until Aug. 14 on the Klamath River and Aug. 31 on the Trinity River. Fall-run Chinook salmon fishing will begin on Aug. 15 on the Klamath River and Sept. 1 on the Trinity River and continue until Dec. 31. The fall-run adult quota is 3,248 fish, though fishing for jacks will continue after the adult quota is met. For the late spring-run salmon fishery, the daily bag limit is one fish of any size and the possession limit is two fish. For the fall-run salmon fishery, the daily bag limit is two fish, only one of which can be an adult greater than 23 inches; the possession limit is six fish, of which only three may be adults greater than 23 inches.

For the Central Valley, the general fall-run salmon fishing season will open on July 16 and close on Dec. 16, with some variation for upper and lower stretches of the rivers. For each tributary a daily bag limit of two fish and a possession limit of four fish of any size has been set.

All regulations, season dates and boundaries will be printed in the Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations (PDF) when available.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council finalized its recommendations for California’s recreational and commercial ocean salmon seasons and harvest limits at its April 7-12 meeting. For more information about the 2026 ocean salmon fishing season, see the press release.

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Media Contacts:
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120
Sheena Holley, CDFW Fisheries Branch

CDFW to Host Public Meeting on California’s Salmon Fisheries

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 16:07:27 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) invites the public to attend its annual Salmon Information Meeting. The hybrid meeting will feature the outlook for this year’s ocean salmon fisheries, in addition to a review of last year’s salmon fisheries and inland spawner returns.

This year, the meeting will be held in person at the California Natural Resources Agency Auditorium at 715 P St. in Sacramento on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at 1 p.m., and will also be livestreamed online.

The 2026 Salmon Information Meeting marks the beginning of a two-month public process to help develop annual sport and commercial ocean salmon fishing seasons. The input is also used to inform inland salmon season development later in the spring.

The annual pre-season salmon management process involves collaborative negotiations between west coast states, federal agencies, tribal co-managers, commercial troll representatives, commercial passenger fishing vessel representatives, private recreational anglers, non-governmental organizations and others interested in salmon fishery management and conservation.

These leaders utilize the most current information shared at the Salmon Information Meeting to work together to develop a range of recommended ocean fishing season alternatives at the March 4-9 Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) meeting in Sacramento, Calif. Final season recommendations will be adopted at the PFMC’s April 7-12 meeting in Portland, Ore.

Salmon Information Meeting details, agenda, informational materials and instructions to view the livestream will be published in advance of the event on CDFW’s Ocean Salmon page. Livestream login information and a handout with the meeting presentations will be posted by the morning of Feb. 25. Please see the Ocean Salmon web page for a complete Calendar of Events and contact information regarding the Salmon Preseason Process, including other opportunities for engagement in the ocean salmon season development process.

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Media Contacts:
Emma Keller, CDFW Marine Region, (707) 502-8418
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714

State's Salmon Strategy Moves Forward with $10 Million for Salmon and Steelhead Habitat Restoration Projects, New 2026 Funding Opportunity

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:36:24 GMT

As part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s comprehensive strategy to restore and rebuild California’s salmon population, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has selected 16 projects to receive funding for the restoration, enhancement and protection of salmon and steelhead (anadromous salmonid) habitat in California watersheds. The total funding for these projects amounts to more than $10 million in grant awards.

Projects were awarded through CDFW’s Fisheries Restoration Grant Program (FRGP). This program 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. These awards also include funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act to help support the recovery, conservation and resilience of Pacific salmon and steelhead.

These projects will conserve and recover California’s salmon, furthering the objectives laid out in the California Salmon Strategy for Hotter, Drier Future (PDF). The actions outlined in the report lay the groundwork for California to restore and rebuild salmon populations, improve salmon habitat and utilize the best available science and management practices to prepare for the future.

“These investments are another step forward to help California salmon,” said Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “The projects we’re funding will improve the health of creeks and rivers across the state, which will help salmon survive through climate change and benefit all who depend on health salmon fisheries. I’m proud of this progress, with much more work ahead.”

Examples of projects awarded under FRGP this year include removing three coastal stream fish passage barriers that will open over 7 miles of previously inaccessible river habitat in direct support of the Salmon Strategy. Additionally, FRGP continues support for popular annual Salmonid Restoration Conferences in 2027 and 2028 to offer technical education workshops and teach habitat restoration techniques to landowners, scientists, students and tribal members to contribute to protection and restoration of the salmon and steelhead population.

Among these 16 projects, the South Yuba River Citizens League was awarded $1,817,011 for the Upper Long Bar Salmonid Rearing Habitat Restoration Project. The project will restore eight acres on the Yuba River to improve juvenile rearing habitat to support diverse life histories, increased growth and survival of spring- and fall-run Chinook salmon and California Central Valley steelhead.

Trout Unlimited was awarded $717,463 for the Chamberlain Creek Instream Habitat Enhancement Project that will increase stream complexity and pool frequency and depth to improve rearing habitat for Coho salmon and steelhead trout. These stream features will be achieved through the installation of 114 large wood structures on the project’s 2.56-mile reach on Chamberlain Creek.

“We are thrilled to be able to partner with the staff at Jackson Demonstration State Forest on this important salmon restoration effort in Chamberlain Creek,” said Trout Unlimited North Coast Coho Project Manager Nicole Herrera. “This project on the Big River watershed will implement a recovery action identified by NOAA and CDFW in the Salmonid Habitat Restoration Priorities Action Plan.”

“These projects are implementing Salmon Strategy actions in real time. From restoring thousands of acres of habitat to improving migration pathways, advancing science-based flow management and using cutting-edge technology, actions taken from the Salmon Strategy work,” said CDFW Acting Director Valerie Termini. “We continue to see salmon and steelhead return to many California rivers and streams where they have not been seen in decades.”

In response to the 2025 FRGP solicitation, CDFW received 53 proposals requesting more than $49 million in funding. The proposals underwent a thorough technical review involving subject matter experts from CDFW and NOAA. For additional information and a complete list of all FRGP-awarded projects, visit FRGP's funded project summaries page.

The FRGP is now accepting concept proposals for the 2026 grant solicitation. Proposals will be accepted no later than March 2, 2026, through the CDFW WebGrants Portal.

CDFW will hold an online public workshop on February 4, 2026, to provide an overview of the solicitation. Workshop attendance is not a requirement for submitting a proposal. Visit the FRGP solicitation page for guidelines and workshop information, or contact FRGP@wildlife.ca.gov with any questions.

Highlighted Project Summaries

Bouverie Dam Removal for Fish Passage
($367,249 to All Hands Ecology)

Bouverie Dam is the final man-made barrier to unimpeded fish passage on Stuart Creek, a major tributary to Sonoma Creek. The dam removal restores access to pristine high quality rearing habitat and cool climate refugia for juvenile salmonids.

Watershed Stewards Program Statewide Monitoring and Enhancement
($731,689 to California Conservation Corps Watershed Stewards Program in partnership with AmeriCorps)

The California Conservation Corps Watershed Stewards Program (WSP) in partnership with AmeriCorps will engage 44 WSP Corpsmembers across California to monitor and enhance anadromous watersheds through fisheries/habitat surveys, riparian restoration, community education/engagement and by providing participants with insight into the environmental science field.

2025 Mainstem Buckeye Creek Instream Enhancement Project
($131,216 to The Conservation Fund)

This project restores salmonid habitat by placing 55 pieces of large wood at 21 structure sites to increase stream complexity, high flow refugia, pool frequency, and rearing habitat for salmonids.

Upper Klamath River Design and Planning Project - Beaver Creek
($739,196 to Mid Klamath Watershed Council)

This project will develop a 100% level fisheries restoration design on 7 miles of Beaver Creek. The project area has approximately 50 acres of low-lying floodplain that is disconnected due to channel constraint. The design would improve conditions for spawning and rearing fish by connecting floodplains and improving habitat structures.

Lower South Fork Cottaneva Instream Habitat Improvement Project
($394,154 to Eel River Watershed Improvement Group)

Goals of this project are to improve habitat complexity with the construction of 38 large wood structures along 1.2 miles of South Fork Cottaneva Creek, Rockport Creek, and an unnamed tributary to Rockport Creek. This will increase pool and flatwater shelter and capture woody debris and sediment.

Cachagua Creek Fish Passage Alternative Plan/Design Project - Quevedo
($184,774 to Trout Unlimited)

This project will provide a design plan to remediate an existing migration barrier in this important tributary to the Carmel River. The current ford is a partial migration barrier for all life stages of steelhead. The removal and replacement with a free span bridge will improve migration conditions in this reach of Cachagua Creek.

Bridge Creek - California Conservation Corps Large Wood Coho Habitat Enhancement Project
($424,247 to California Conservation Corps - Ukiah)

The project will improve salmonid habitat in Bridge Creek through the introduction of large wood features. Large wood features will be constructed by California Conservation Corps hand crews without the use of heavy machinery.

Hydrology to Habitat: Critical Steelhead Restoration Assessments in San Luis Obispo Creek Watershed
($582,511 to Creek Lands Conservation)

The project will collect data and conduct landowner outreach required to identify and advance transformative steelhead habitat restoration projects on San Lois Obispo Creek and its major tributaries, including fish passage improvements, steelhead rearing habitat enhancement, estuary restoration and streamflow enhancement. Data will include barrier assessments, engineering barrier analysis, ecologically critical streamflow monitoring, water quality and steelhead mark and recapture.

2027 and 2028 Salmonid Restoration Conferences
($191,988 to Salmonid Restoration Federation)

The 2027 and 2028 Salmonid Restoration Conferences will offer technical education workshops and teach habitat restoration techniques to practitioners, landowners, agency personnel, scientists, students, tribal members and consultants to contribute to protection and restoration of anadromous salmonids. Each conference includes intensive workshops, field tours, 9-12 concurrent sessions and keynotes to recovery strategies in state and federal salmonid recovery plans.

Upper South Fork Eel River Instream Habitat Improvement Project
($854,222 to Eel River Watershed Improvement Group)

This habitat improvement project will improve ecological complexity along 3.5 miles of the South Fork Eel River by installing 41 large wood structures composed of 166 logs and 202 boulders, which will help create a natural habitat setting.

Arroyo Seco River Fish Passage Project - Sycamore Flats
($1,288,949 to Trout Unlimited, Inc.)

The project will remove an existing concrete vehicle ford which spans the Arroyo Seco River. The completed project will eliminate a priority migration barrier and improve conditions for federally threatened South Central Coast steelhead trout on the Arroyo Seco River in Monterey County.

Lower San Luis Obispo Creek Floodplain Preserve Steelhead Habitat Enhancement Project
($267,872 to The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County)

The project will prepare 100% of engineering designs and submit all necessary permit applications to restore more natural conditions along the lower mainstem of San Luis Obispo Creek on The Land Conservancy's Lower San Luis Obispo Creek Floodplain Preserve Properties. These habitat enhancements will increase the amount and quality of steelhead juvenile rearing habitat, fry rearing habitat and winter refuge habitat to support the steelhead population within the San Luis Obispo Creek watershed.

Green Valley Creek Off-Channel Habitat Enhancement at Sweetwater Nursery
($829,943 to Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District)

The project will connect an existing floodplain pond to Green Valley Creek via an excavated connector channel to allow free access to off-channel winter habitat for juvenile salmonids. The off-channel pond will provide high-quality wetland habitat throughout the majority of winter and spring that will be used by out-migrating salmon to forage and rear. The project will also see habitat improvements as a result of the installation of engineered log jams to drive pool development and provide woody cover.

Elk Creek Fish Passage and Sediment Reduction Project
($521,718 to Smith River Alliance)

The project will restore fish passage and migration access to spawning and rearing Coho salmon by replacing an existing undersized culvert with an 8-foot-diameter culvert with a natural channel bottom. The culvert upgrade is one part of a larger project that will restore fish passage at six barriers in the headwaters of Elk Creek. Riparian plants will be installed in areas impacted by construction and currently lacking riparian cover.

The awarded projects advance the objectives of state and federal fisheries recovery plans that focus on 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 the California Water Resilience Portfolio, State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) page, California’s Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future and fulfillment of CDFW’s mission (PDF).

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Media Contacts:
Matt Wells, Watershed Restoration Grants Branch, (916) 216-7848
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714