Rough Creek Fish Barrier

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is inviting proposals for a specialized construction project under its environmental conservation initiatives. The project aims to design and install a permanent fish barrier on Rough Creek, located in Mono County, California. This structure is intended to prevent upstream migration of non-native trout species from the Nevada side of the creek. This effort is part of the state’s broader agenda to protect native aquatic species and maintain ecological balance in the region’s sensitive habitats. CDFW, the state agency responsible for managing California's diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, is funding this opportunity. This grant is classified under the Environment & Water category and reflects the agency’s commitment to habitat restoration and conservation. Successful implementation of the fish barrier is crucial for limiting the spread of invasive trout species that threaten local ecosystems. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive technical proposal demonstrating the project’s effectiveness in impeding the upstream passage of an 18-inch rainbow trout under peak flow conditions associated with a 5-year recurrence interval storm. The design must comply with NOAA’s “Anadromous Salmonid Design Manual (2022),” integrating combined velocity and jump height parameters to ensure fish exclusion. Proposals should include hydraulic modeling, site-specific topographical and hydrological data, and construction details tailored to the remote project location. Additional submission components must include a full project implementation schedule and a detailed budget that accounts for all direct and subcontractor costs, including travel and permits. While applicants are encouraged to contribute cost share from other sources, it is not a mandatory requirement for funding. The construction must be completed by August 2026, with the period of performance formally set from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and tribal governments. The scope of work must be geographically limited to Rough Creek in Mono County. All costs incurred must fall within the approved project period and be supported by documentation such as invoices or purchase orders. Only project-related activities identified in the Grant Agreement will be considered eligible expenses. Applications are due by March 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. The anticipated award announcement date is April 1, 2026. Interested applicants are advised to carefully read the full grant guidelines before applying. Inquiries about this grant can be directed to Nick Buckmaster via email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-760-920-8391.