The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is offering the Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) 30×30 Land Acquisition Grant Program, which aligns with California's commitment to conserve 30 percent of its lands and coastal waters by 2030. This program supports land acquisition projects that are essential parts of NCCP and/or Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) reserve systems. The CDFW, in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB), aims to facilitate the execution of these land acquisition projects.
The target beneficiaries of this grant program are public agencies, tribes, and non-profit organizations that are interested in assisting with land acquisition associated with NCCPs and/or HCPs. The primary impact goal is to advance California's 30x30 conservation initiative by securing critical lands through fee title or conservation easement. This effort is crucial for protecting and restoring natural communities and habitats across the state.
The program prioritizes proposals for the highest priority projects that contribute to the implementation of NCCPs and/or HCPs through land acquisition. The focus is on acquiring land that forms an essential component of these conservation plans and is acceptable to CDFW. Successful proposals will demonstrate a clear connection to established conservation strategies and the overall goal of habitat protection and biodiversity preservation.
Expected outcomes include the successful acquisition of significant land parcels, leading to an increase in the total acreage of conserved lands and coastal waters in California. Measurable results will likely involve the number of acres acquired, the ecological value of the protected areas, and their contribution to the overall 30x30 goal. The program intends to create a more resilient and interconnected network of protected areas, supporting the long-term health of California's ecosystems.
CDFW's strategic priority is to achieve the 30x30 conservation target, leveraging NCCPs and HCPs as key mechanisms for effective land and habitat protection. The underlying theory of change is that by providing financial support for strategic land acquisitions, CDFW can empower eligible entities to implement vital conservation projects, thereby directly contributing to the state's ambitious conservation goals and ensuring the preservation of its natural heritage for future generations. Up to $28.5 million is available to support these efforts.
