The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is soliciting proposals for the Golden Eagle Conservation Grant for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. This program funds projects aimed at promoting golden eagle conservation primarily within the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area (APWRA) in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, and the Tehachapi Wind Resource Area (TWRA) in Kern County, California. The focus is on understanding and mitigating the impacts of wind generation on local and broader golden eagle populations to develop effective conservation and management strategies.
Eligible projects may include golden eagle studies and surveys, habitat suitability assessments, collision risk modeling, evaluation of management practices and deterrents, telemetry data collection and analysis, ecosystem impact evaluations, and habitat acquisition. Priority will be given to projects that directly address the impact of wind energy on golden eagles and contribute to conservation across their range.
The Golden Eagle Conservation Grant funding stems from a legal settlement involving ESI Energy, LLC, related to violations of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. As a result, California received $2,439,359.83 earmarked specifically for golden eagle conservation. The maximum funding request per project is $1,500,000, and all funded activities must be completed by March 30, 2031.
Eligible applicants include public agencies, state departments, colleges and universities, tribal governments, and nonprofit entities. Applicants must demonstrate capacity and expertise, possess or obtain all necessary environmental permits, and secure landowner permissions where applicable. Full proposals, including a project statement and budget worksheet, must be submitted by June 16, 2025, at 5:00 PM PST to R3CESA@wildlife.ca.gov with the subject line “Golden Eagle Conservation Grant 2025.”
Proposals will be evaluated through an administrative review and a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) review process. Scoring criteria include relevance to conservation priorities, scientific rigor, understanding of wind generation impacts, climate change considerations, and the SMART qualities of project objectives. Final awards will be announced by July 30, 2025, with grant agreements finalized between August and November 2025.
For questions regarding the solicitation, applicants may contact Brenda Blinn, Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisor), at Brenda.Blinn@wildlife.ca.gov or (707) 339-0334.
