Restoration Grant Programs: Drought - Protecting Salmon

The Restoration Grant Programs by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife aim to protect and enhance salmon habitats in response to drought and climate change. With up to $100 million in funding, the program focuses on projects that restore aquatic habitats, enhance biodiversity, and improve ecological functions. Specific funding allocations include $10 million each for the Scott and Shasta River tributaries, fostering collaboration with local landowners and Tribes to support ecosystem resilience.

NOTE: CDFW will review concept proposals as received. Eligible concept applicants may be invited to submit a full application to some programs. CDFW will review and award proposals on an ongoing basis, as often as monthly for Drought, Climate, and Nature Based Solutions eligible projects.
Background
CDFW funds various restoration grants throughout the state. Fish and Game Code Section 1501 et seq., authorizes CDFW to grant funds for fish and wildlife habitat preservation, restoration, and enhancement to assist it in meeting its duty to preserve, protect, and restore fish and wildlife.
All projects shall provide one or more of the following benefits:

• Protect or enhance biodiversity;
• Climate change resiliency and connectivity;
• Support of the State Wildlife Action Plan priority habitats;
• Conserve or enhance working landscapes;
• Conserve or enhance water-related projects; and/or
• Enhance public access.
• Restoration Grant Programs: Drought-Protecting Salmon

Funding for planning and implementation projects that enhance resiliency to drought and climate change through restoration, protection, or enhancement of riparian and aquatic habitat and river channels, reconnection of historical flood plains, or improvements to ecological functions.
In response to current drought conditions, the California Legislature authorized up to $100 million to allow the Department to protect and restore salmon. This funding will support restoration and protection projects that enhance salmon resiliency to drought and climate change. A portion of this funding will be dedicated to the Klamath River Watershed projects demonstrating support from and collaboration with Tribes and local landowners or landowner association.
This dedicated funding will be available as follows:
Up to $10 million available for projects within the Scott River and its tributaries; andUp to $10 million available for projects within the Shasta River and its tributaries.