Public Access Program Grants

Public Access Program Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: California Wildlife Conservation Board
Last Updated: October 07, 2025

Summary

The Public Access Program Grants, established by the California Wildlife Conservation Board, aim to enhance public access to natural areas, promoting wildlife-oriented recreation and supporting projects that encourage hunting, fishing, and equitable access for underserved communities. By funding planning, implementation, and community outreach initiatives, the program fosters a connection between individuals, families, and the environment, ensuring that all Californians can enjoy the benefits of nature while becoming stewards of the land.

Overview

About Access to nature contributes to our sense of community, connection to wild places, and desire to be stewards of the land. Conservation starts with individuals, families, and communities finding value in natural and wild lands. The Public Access Program is one of the original Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) programs established in 1947. Initially the Public Access Program worked with California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to support projects focused on the protection and development of public access areas and the promotion of hunting and fishing opportunities. Over time, the WCB's authority expanded to new partners, and today the Public Access Program provides planning and implementation funds to support wildlife-oriented recreation opportunities. Fundable activities and infrastructure include but are not limited to: multi-lingual interpretive signs, trails, ADA parking and restrooms, community outreach, and development of interpretive programs. Priorities Wildlife-oriented Recreation The Public Access Program prioritizes projects providing public access for non-consumptive wildlife-related recreational activities. Projects should promote wildlife experiences and opportunities. Hunting and Fishing Access The Public Access Program prioritizes projects providing hunting and fishing access. Projects should enhance, improve, or construct facilities that provide hunting and fishing opportunities. Outdoors for All The Public Access Program prioritizes projects that further the goals of the California Natural Resource Agency's Outdoors for All Initiative by providing equitable access to parks and nature. Projects should enhance access for underserved communities and include meaningful collaboration with California Native American tribes.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. WCB has the authority under FGC section 1350(c) to award grants to nonprofit organizations, local governmental agencies, federal agencies, state agencies, and California Native American tribes. Eligible Project Types:PlanningImplementationAcquisitionScientific StudiesBlock GrantsTechnical Assistance

Ineligibility

Examples of projects that may be ineligible, include but are not limited to:Projects mandated to address a violation of, or an order to comply with, a law or regulation;Projects that fund acquisitions of land by eminent domain;Projects that include acquisition of property above fair market value;Operations and maintenance of existing structures, including roads ;Projects that are intended to correct problems caused by inadequate maintenance;Projects for the purpose of regulatory compliance or mitigation.Projects funded by bonds must be spent consistent with the General Obligation Bond Law, Government Code, section 16720 et seq.