Upper Kern Fisheries Enhancement Fund

The Upper Kern Fisheries Enhancement Fund (UKF) was created as part of a fisheries mitigation agreement related to the re-licensing of the Kern River Number 3 Hydroelectric Plant (KR3) by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Located on the Upper Kern River near Kernville, the fund was initiated with a $2.5 million contribution from Southern California Edison (SCE) and has since grown to approximately $3.6 million. The fund has already distributed nearly $1.9 million in grants that support conservation efforts in the Upper Kern River Basin. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines the governance of the fund and includes four voting members: Southern California Edison (SCE), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These organizations collaboratively administer the fund and determine priorities. The fund’s objective is to support projects that implement the Upper Kern Basin Fishery Management Plan, restore the native Kern River rainbow trout, and enhance fisheries resources upstream of Isabella Lake in Kern and Tulare Counties. The fund supports a range of activities including hatchery development for the Kern River rainbow trout, genetic stock assessments, habitat improvements, trout stocking programs, and monitoring efforts. Additional projects may include water quality improvements in the Upper Kern Basin and other activities approved by the committee. Examples of past projects funded include habitat restoration efforts, sanitation improvements, public education initiatives, and infrastructure development for fisheries management. The Fall 2025 grant cycle is open from June 2, 2025, through July 17, 2025. Interested applicants must submit their proposals through Kern Community Foundation’s Online Grants Platform. To maintain the integrity of the review process, applicants are advised not to contact the voting committee members directly. For any questions or support, inquiries should be directed to info@kernfoundation.org or by calling 661-325-5346. Eligible applicants are those whose projects aim to benefit the Kern River rainbow trout, enhance trout habitat, or improve water quality within the specified region. Projects must align with one or more objectives of the Upper Kern Basin Fishery Management Plan. The committee evaluates proposals and recommends projects for funding, which are then submitted for final approval by the Kern Community Foundation’s Board of Directors. The next committee meeting, which is open to the public, is scheduled for September 25, 2025, at 11 AM. The grant program is recurring and continues to support conservation, research, and education efforts. Reports and documentation on previously funded projects are available, demonstrating the fund’s long-term commitment to preserving the native fish population in the Upper Kern region. Notable grantees include California Trout, Kern River Conservancy, and the U.S. Forest Service, among others, reflecting a diverse range of conservation and restoration efforts.