Stewardship Assistance Program (SAP)

MALT's Stewardship Assistance Program is a grant-making initiative that provides farmers and ranchers on MALT-protected easement land with technical guidance, knowledge, and funding to plan and implement sustainable management and conservation practices.

Background: Developed in 2002, SAP began as an effort to improve water quality in the region. Since its start, SAP has contributed more than $1.39 million toward 138 different projects on 56 ranches across Marin.

Geographic Scope: Marin County, California — specifically on MALT-conserved agricultural land with conservation easements

Eligibility:

• Landowners or lessees on MALT-conserved land
• MALT board members and "interested parties" (Track 3)
• Must have MALT conservation easement on property
• Minimum 15% landowner cost share required

Focus Areas & Project Types:

• Watershed Protection: riparian restoration, stream bank stabilization, cross fence installation, water infrastructure development
• Range and Pasture Management: sustainable grazing practices, water access improvements
• Technical Farm Assistance: stream assessments, restoration projects
• Climate-Resilient and Carbon Farming Practices: carbon sequestration, compost application, pasture seeding, climate-resilient practices

Track 1: Direct MALT Application

• Landowner applies directly to MALT
• Applications scored and ranked based on strategic conservation targets
• Award: Reimbursement grant up to $15,000 with mandatory 15% landowner cost share

Track 2: Leveraging External Grants

• For projects with grants from MRCD, NRCS, or CDFA programs
• Applicant can leverage external funding with MALT SAP funds
• Award: Up to $50,000 toward cost-share of remaining landowner contributions
• Landowner must pay at least 15% of remaining cost share

Track 3: MRCD Administration

• For MALT board members or interested parties
• Projects administered by Marin Resource Conservation District (MRCD)
• Ensures impartiality and public transparency

Funding Source: Donor gifts and charitable contributions to MALT

Partners: UC Cooperative Extension, Carbon Cycle Institute, Point Blue Conservation Science (STRAW program), NRCS, Marin Carbon Project, Marin Resource Conservation District

Application Process

1. Identify Project: Develop a conservation project on MALT-protected easement land
2. Choose Funding Track: Determine if applying under Track 1 (direct), Track 2 (leveraging external grants), or Track 3 (MRCD administration)
3. Develop Project Plan: Projects are often identified in:
   • Agricultural Management Plan
   • Creek Conservation Area Management Plan
   • Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan
   • Carbon farm plan
4. Submit Application: Contact MALT stewardship staff to submit application
5. Review Process: MALT staff review applications using scoring and ranking criteria based on strategic conservation targets
6. Award Decision: If approved, eligible for reimbursement grant (Track 1) or cost-share assistance (Track 2)
7. Implementation: Work with MALT stewardship staff to ensure SAP projects adhere to conservation practice standards

Required Materials:

• Project details and conservation goals
• Cost estimates
• Landowner cost share commitment (minimum 15%)
• Supporting documentation (management plans if available)

No specific application deadline stated — appears to accept applications on rolling basis throughout the year