Inland Wetlands Conservation

The Inland Wetlands Conservation Program was established to support the mission of the Central Valley Joint Venture, a coalition of twenty two public and private organizations and agencies. This program is designed to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands and associated habitats across the Central Valley of California. The Central Valley Joint Venture has identified through its Implementation Plan a series of ambitious conservation goals aimed at boosting populations of key bird groups, including breeding and non breeding waterfowl, shorebirds, waterbirds, riparian landbirds, grassland oak savannah landbirds, and at risk bird species. The Wildlife Conservation Board oversees this program and provides funding to eligible projects that align with the conservation priorities of the Joint Venture. The program’s jurisdiction covers most of the watershed of the Central Valley but prioritizes the valley floor. This area stretches roughly 400 miles from Red Bluff in the north to Bakersfield in the south and includes five primary planning regions: Sacramento, Yolo Delta, Suisun, San Joaquin, and Tulare. These regions make up the central focus of the Implementation Plan and the Inland Wetlands Conservation Program, reflecting their importance for migratory birds and wetland ecosystems. Conservation within these regions addresses critical habitat needs and ensures long term ecological health for wildlife populations that depend on wetlands. The scope of eligible activities under this program is broad but closely tied to the objectives of habitat protection and restoration. Projects may involve the acquisition of land or water intended for wetlands or wildlife friendly agriculture, the acquisition of conservation easements to ensure permanent protection, the restoration of public or private lands to enhance their ecological value, and the enhancement of already degraded habitats. By funding these types of projects, the program directly contributes to safeguarding bird populations and preserving wetland landscapes against continued loss and degradation. Spending under the program is restricted to activities that directly advance conservation goals. This ensures that awarded funds are used to create measurable and lasting environmental benefits. Specific funding amounts, ceilings, or totals are not detailed in the source material, and applicants are expected to propose budgets appropriate to their project’s scope. While matching requirements are not explicitly stated, applicants should consult the Wildlife Conservation Board for confirmation on cost share expectations and financial guidelines. Eligibility is centered on entities capable of carrying out land acquisition, restoration, or enhancement projects within the designated regions of the Central Valley. Although the program description does not list categories such as nonprofits, government agencies, or other entities, the emphasis on public and private lands and conservation easements suggests that both public agencies and nonprofit conservation organizations may be eligible. Given the absence of explicit eligibility criteria in the source, applicants are encouraged to confirm their eligibility directly with program contacts. The application process is managed through the Wildlife Conservation Board, and details on how to apply are provided on the WCB Grant Opportunities page. Applicants should prepare to demonstrate alignment with the goals of the Central Valley Joint Venture Implementation Plan, including how their project will benefit the identified bird groups and contribute to habitat conservation in the priority regions. Contact for the Inland Wetlands Conservation Program is James Croft, who can be reached by email at James.Croft@wildlife.ca.gov or by phone at (916) 926 7523. General inquiries can also be directed to the Wildlife Conservation Board offices located in Sacramento. No specific deadlines or cycles are indicated in the source material, making it unclear whether applications are accepted on a rolling basis or according to set rounds. Applicants should consult the WCB Grants Opportunities page to verify open dates and submission requirements. The absence of explicit evaluation criteria, award dates, or recurring timelines suggests that details vary depending on the call for proposals and should be confirmed directly with the funder. The program remains an important funding source for organizations and agencies seeking to contribute to wetland and bird conservation in California’s Central Valley.