The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has unveiled a $2 million grant program aimed at supporting non-lethal beaver damage management. This initiative is in alignment with the Nature-Based Solutions Initiative and CDFW’s beaver restoration and human-wildlife conflict program objectives.
Recognizing the pivotal role of North American beavers in ecosystem restoration, especially in the face of climate change, droughts, and wildfires, CDFW has launched measures to maintain healthy beaver populations in suitable habitats across California.
In 2023, CDFW established a Beaver Restoration Program and adopted a beaver depredation policy emphasizing human-beaver coexistence.
This new funding opportunity seeks to promote non-lethal beaver damage management by providing financial resources for implementing non-lethal strategies and offering technical assistance for installation and maintenance. Eligible entities include Tribes, non-governmental organizations, and public agencies, with outreach and support for private landowners as part of the program’s objectives.
An online application portal has been launched to facilitate the application process, and CDFW aims to accelerate the review and approval of grants within 30 days of receipt. Additional details and application guidelines can be found on the grants web page found at www.wildlife.ca.gov/grants.
