Mendocino County Fish and Game Commission Propagation Fund Grant

The Mendocino County Fish and Game Commission Propagation Fund Grant is administered by the Mendocino County Fish and Game Commission, a local body established by the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors. The Commission is responsible for advising the Board on the expenditure of public funds derived from fines, as authorized under California Fish and Game Code Section 13100. These funds are designated for the protection, conservation, propagation, and preservation of fish and wildlife within Mendocino County. The Commission, composed of volunteer members, meets bimonthly to promote transparent communication and technical evaluation in support of local conservation projects. Grant applications are reviewed by the Commission, which then provides recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for final funding decisions. The purpose of the grant is to support a variety of eligible activities that align with the allowable uses defined in California Fish and Game Code Section 13103. Qualifying projects include scientific public education, emergency treatment of injured wildlife, habitat improvement efforts, the construction and maintenance of hatchery facilities, predator control efforts, and scientific research conducted by qualified institutions or government agencies. Additionally, administrative costs may be covered up to a defined limit, and support for enforcement through witness programs or legal actions may also be eligible. All applicants must clearly state the category under which their proposed activity qualifies, and compliance with the legal code is a strict requirement. The Propagation Fund Grant is awarded annually, with applications typically solicited in the autumn and awards disbursed in early spring. For the 2025/2026 cycle, the grant application window opens on March 1, 2026, and closes on April 3, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Applications must be complete and submitted by the deadline, either by email or in person to the Mendocino County Planning & Building Services. Required application materials include the applicant's Taxpayer ID number, a detailed project timeline and budget, maps or photographs, and at least one letter of support. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a Commission meeting to present their proposal. Spending rules emphasize cost efficiency and ecological impact. Administrative costs must not exceed 10% of the total project cost. A final report is mandatory within 60 days of project completion, detailing project activities, challenges, successes, and expenditures. Supporting documentation such as photographs, receipts, and invoices must accompany this report. The Commission seeks to balance funding across different project types, including education, restoration, and propagation efforts, with particular emphasis on those that benefit local wildlife and habitat restoration. The evaluation process involves several criteria: compliance with applicable Fish and Game Code requirements, project feasibility, ecological and community benefits, evidence of cooperative relationships, and the effective use of funds. Incomplete or non-compliant applications are disqualified from consideration. The Commission aims to fund projects that reflect strong planning, local impact, and alignment with state-mandated conservation objectives. For inquiries, applicants may contact the Commission at (707) 234-6094 or via email at [email protected]. Additional technical questions may be directed to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Northern Region at (530) 225-2300 or [email protected]. The Commission publishes updated guidelines and a draft agreement to assist applicants in the preparation of their submissions. These documents provide transparency into the expectations and responsibilities associated with receiving funds from the Propagation Fund.