Lower American River Conservancy Program Grant

Lower American River Conservancy Program Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: California Wildlife Conservation Board
Last Updated: January 12, 2026

Summary

The Lower American River Conservancy Program, established by Assembly Bill 1716 in 2017, aims to collaborate with local agencies and nonprofits to restore and enhance the American River Parkway. Managed by the California Wildlife Conservation Board, the program focuses on improving public access to the parkway's natural and recreational resources while preserving its ecological integrity. Through funding and project support, it addresses habitat restoration and public access, fostering a sustainable environment for community and wildlife.

Overview

About WCB The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) was created by legislation in 1947 to administer a capital outlay program for wildlife conservation and related public recreation. Originally created within the California Department of Natural Resources, and later placed with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, WCB is a separate and independent Board with authority and funding to carry out an acquisition and development program for wildlife conservation (California Fish and Game Code 1300, et seq.). WCB's seven-member Board consists of the President of the Fish and Game Commission, the Director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Director of the Department of Finance, and four public members, two appointed by the legislature and two by the Governor. Legislation that created WCB also established a Legislative Advisory Committee consisting of three members of the Senate and three members of the Assembly, which meet with WCB, providing legislative oversight. The primary responsibilities of WCB are to select, authorize and allocate funds for the purchase of land and waters suitable for recreation purposes and the preservation, protection and restoration of wildlife habitat. WCB approves and funds projects that set aside lands within the State for such purposes, through acquisition or other means, to meet these objectives. WCB can also authorize the construction of facilities for recreational purposes on property in which it has a proprietary interest. WCB's three main functions are land acquisition, habitat restoration and development of wildlife oriented public access facilities, which are carried out through its programs. Lower American River Conservancy Program The Lower American River Conservancy Program (Program) was created by Assembly Bill 1716 (PDF)(opens in new tab) and became effective January 1, 2017 (Public Resources Code, § 5845 et seq. (the “Enabling Statute”)). The Program was created to provide a state partner to work cooperatively with local agencies, particularly the County of Sacramento in its role as the manager of the American River Parkway (Parkway) and nonprofit organizations to help fund projects and provide grants to restore, enhance, interpret, protect, and improve public access to the Parkway’s natural, recreational, educational, and cultural resources. The Enabling Statue also created the Lower American River Conservancy Program Advisory Committee (Committee) (Public Resources Code §5845.4) whose role is to review each eligible project and provide a recommendation for funding. The WCB’s voting members have final authority over project approval and funding. The Committee is mandated to convene at least twice each calendar year in Sacramento County and be open to the public. Background The Lower American River Conservancy Program Act was created by Assembly Bill 1716 which was signed into law in 2016 and became effective January 1, 2017 (Pub. Resources Code, § 5845 et seq. (the “Enabling Statute”)). The Program was created to provide a state partner to work cooperatively with local agencies, particularly the County of Sacramento in its role as the Parkway Manager, and nonprofit organizations to help fund projects and provide grants to restore, enhance, interpret, protect, and improve public access to the American River Parkway’s natural, recreational, educational, and cultural resources. The Legislature’s intent was for the Program to be a continuation of the state’s historic role in providing funding to advance the protection and restoration of the natural resources of the Lower American River while continuing the County of Sacramento’s historic role in managing the lands and public uses of the American River Parkway.

Eligibility

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