Forest Conservation

The Forest Conservation Program was established by the Wildlife Conservation Board in 2006 through the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act, also known as Proposition 84. This legislation mandated the creation of a grant program to promote the ecological integrity and economic stability of California’s native forests. The initiative supports conservation, preservation, and restoration of managed forest lands, forest reserves, redwood forests, and other types of forested lands. It also emphasizes the importance of protecting water resources and natural habitats that support fish, wildlife, and native plants. Additional funding for the Forest Conservation Program came from the 2018 California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act (Proposition 68). Under this authority, the Board supports protection, restoration, and improvement of upper watershed lands in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountains. These include meadows, wetlands, chaparral, and riparian habitats, with the intent of safeguarding water supply and quality, enhancing forest health, reducing wildfire risks, mitigating post-wildfire impacts on water systems, strengthening flood protection, and conserving riparian or aquatic resources. The scope of the program is thus comprehensive, spanning planning, acquisition, and restoration projects that address both ecological and community needs. Project examples eligible for funding include meadow restoration, hazard fuel reduction through forest thinning, post-fire restoration efforts, and enhancement of aspen stands. While this list is illustrative rather than exhaustive, it reflects the program’s goal of addressing diverse forest conservation needs across California. The program aligns closely with the Wildlife Conservation Board’s Strategic Plan, ensuring that funded efforts contribute to long-term sustainability and ecological health. Eligibility for Forest Conservation Program grants is broad but defined by specific legal and funding-source parameters. In general, eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, local governmental agencies, federal and state agencies, and California Native American tribes, as authorized under California Fish and Game Code section 1350(c). Certain allocations, such as those from the 2021 and 2022 Budget Acts for instream flow enhancement projects, also allow applications from private landowners, public utilities, federally recognized Indian tribes, and mutual water companies. Proposition 4 (2024) expanded eligibility to include joint power authorities, special districts, and local publicly owned utilities, although private landowners are not eligible under this particular funding source. Applicants do not need to designate a funding source when applying, as the Board will determine the appropriate allocation. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and program materials encourage applicants to review the Wildlife Conservation Board’s agendas, which are published quarterly, for updates on available funds and priorities. The program does not specify fixed deadlines, which indicates a rolling application process, though applicants should coordinate closely with program staff to align with funding cycles and available resources. No pre-application deadlines or mandatory letters of intent are specified, but applicants are advised to contact program representatives for guidance. For project-specific inquiries, applicants may reach out to designated program contacts. Acquisition-related questions can be directed to Joe Navari at Joseph.Navari@wildlife.ca.gov or by phone at (916) 926-2546. Restoration-related inquiries can be addressed to Jen Stanfield at Jennifer.Stanfield@wildlife.ca.gov or (916) 539-4868. General inquiries about the Wildlife Conservation Board can be made through its Sacramento office at (916) 445-8448 or via its official contact page. The program office is located at 715 P Street, 17th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814, with mailing address P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090. These resources ensure that applicants can access the support and guidance necessary for navigating the grant process.