Habitat Enhancement and Restoration

The Wildlife Conservation Board was established under the Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947 with the mandate to acquire, restore, and manage lands in California to protect wildlife resources and provide public access for wildlife-oriented activities. The Board administers several programs, the earliest of which is the Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Program. This program was the Board’s first initiative and for decades served as the sole mechanism for funding restoration projects until additional programs were developed in 1990. It remains an essential funding avenue for projects that fall outside the scope of the Board’s other programs. The Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Program supports a diverse range of restoration projects across California’s many landscapes and ecosystems. These projects include but are not limited to coastal and wetland restoration, grassland improvement, establishment and improvement of wildlife corridors, and fisheries enhancement efforts such as barrier removal and fish ladder construction. The program is designed to protect biodiversity, improve ecological health, and ensure that natural systems are maintained or restored for both wildlife and public enjoyment. Funding for the Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Program comes primarily from the Habitat Conservation Fund, which was created to provide stable support for conservation initiatives, and from a variety of voter-approved bond measures. Projects that receive funding are expected to demonstrate long-term benefits and include provisions for ongoing maintenance after project completion. Importantly, projects must be recommended by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife before they can be approved by the Wildlife Conservation Board. The program operates statewide, and no restrictions on geography within California are specified. Eligible applicants and recipients are those able to carry out habitat restoration and protection projects, but the official materials do not provide a detailed list of applicant categories such as government agencies, nonprofits, or others. Therefore, further verification is needed regarding specific eligibility criteria. However, it is clear that funded projects must align with the program’s conservation mission and contribute to the preservation of California’s natural heritage. The application process is administered by the Wildlife Conservation Board, which provides information and guidance on applying for grants through its official website. While specific deadlines or opening dates are not listed in the program overview, applications are expected to be submitted according to WCB’s published guidelines and schedules. Applicants are encouraged to consult with Board staff in advance to ensure that their project proposals meet the program’s requirements and are properly structured for consideration. For assistance, the Wildlife Conservation Board maintains regional contacts to support applicants. In Northern California, inquiries should be directed to Kurt Malchow, who can be reached at Kurt.Malchow@wildlife.ca.gov or by phone at (916) 926-2792. In Southern California, applicants may contact Don Crocker at Don.Crocker@wildlife.ca.gov or by phone at (916) 926-7317. The Board’s main office is located at 715 P Street, 17th Floor, Sacramento, California, with a mailing address of P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, California 94244-2090. The office can also be reached at (916) 445-8448 for general inquiries.