Wetlands and Mountain Meadows Restoration – Nature Based Solutions Grant

The Wetlands and Mountain Meadows Restoration program, funded by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, aims to restore wetlands and watershed ecosystems with a budget of up to $54 million. This initiative supports biodiversity, climate resilience, and public access while enhancing habitats as per the Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy. Projects are accepted on a rolling basis, emphasizing sustainable practices and cohabitation with wildlife, particularly beavers.

NOTE:  Applications for concept papers are accepted on a rolling basis.
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/orEnhance public access.
Senate Bill 155 amended the Budget Act of 2021 to provide the allocation of up to $54 million to Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) set aside in Fiscal Years 2022-23 and 2023-24 for projects that restore or enhance wetlands and watershed ecosystems and provide co-benefits, consistent with the Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy and Pathways to 30x30.
The Program also funds projects to support CDFW's beaver restoration objectives, in coordination with CDFW’s Statewide Human-Wildlife Conflict Program, including providing non-lethal alternatives (e.g., deterrent tools) for landowners to abate or prevent property damage caused by natural beaver activity to promote coexistence with beavers.