2024-2025 Natural Community Conservation Planning Local Assistance Grant

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is offering the 2024-2025 Natural Community Conservation Planning Local Assistance Grant (NCCP LAG) Program. This grant program is specifically designed to support the implementation of Natural Community Conservation Plans (NCCPs) across California. Its legal authority is rooted in Fish and Game Code section 1501.5(b), which empowers CDFW to provide funding for critical activities like the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitats. The program's core mission aligns directly with the CDFW's broader goal of conserving California's diverse natural communities and species. The primary beneficiaries of the NCCP LAG program are local public agencies, tribes, and non-profit organizations that are actively involved in or have a keen interest in executing Eligible Projects related to NCCP implementation. The program prioritizes projects submitted by "Implementing Entities" – those responsible for putting the plans into action once permitted – by awarding them additional points during the proposal evaluation phase. While the focus is on California, entities outside the state are also eligible to apply, broadening the potential for collaboration and impact. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined to ensure effective NCCP implementation. These include immediate management actions on newly acquired NCCP reserve lands, restoration and enhancement of habitats or species populations, and the design and execution of biological monitoring programs. Other crucial areas are the development of individual reserve management plans, new or updated mapping activities to support NCCP management or monitoring, and targeted studies for adaptive management to evaluate and adjust conservation strategies. Additionally, the grant supports other non-land acquisition priority tasks identified by applicants and implementing partners that are essential for successful NCCP execution. The expected outcomes of the NCCP LAG program are a more robust and effective implementation of NCCPs throughout California. Measurable results will stem from the successful completion of eligible projects, such as acres of habitat restored, the establishment of effective biological monitoring programs, improved reserve management, and enhanced understanding of species and habitat responses through targeted studies. The overarching impact goals are the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitats, ultimately contributing to the long-term conservation of California's natural heritage. The CDFW's strategic priorities are evident in its annual offering of these grants for the "highest priority tasks," which are collaboratively identified with NCCP implementing partners and federal wildlife agencies, ensuring a targeted and impactful approach to conservation.