The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has awarded $17 million in grants for 18 statewide restoration and protection projects. These initiatives focus on disadvantaged communities, salmon and steelhead recovery in the Klamath-Trinity watershed, and the restoration of wetlands, meadows, and areas impacted by cannabis cultivation. Funding stems from the Nature-Based Solutions Initiative, Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds, Proposition 68, and the Cannabis Program.
Key Highlights:
Klamath-Trinity Watershed: $1.6M supports projects like the Scott River Tailings Restoration and Marble Peaks Ranch acquisition, improving salmon habitats and ecosystem health.
Disadvantaged Communities: $4.56M funds projects such as the Ormond Beach Perkins Road Restoration in Oxnard and riparian habitat improvements along the Klamath River.
Wetlands and Meadows: $6.7M focuses on restoring habitats such as Cottonwood Meadow and Lower Klamath Refuge, benefiting wildlife and waterfowl populations.
Cannabis Restoration: $4.3M addresses ecological health, including enhancing foothill frog habitats and restoring Weaver Creek for coho salmon.
Since early 2023, CDFW has distributed nearly $292M through a streamlined grant application process. These efforts align with California’s 30×30 initiative to conserve 30% of lands and waters by 2030, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate climate impacts.
