Environmental License Plate Fund offers grants to State agencies, boards or commissions, city or county agencies, the University of California, or private non-profit research organizations to support projects that help preserve or protect California's environment. Eligible projects include acquisition, restoration or enhancement of resource lands and endangered species, and development of interpretive facilities. Projects are funded in one-year increments and each must be a separate, distinct project with a clearly defined benefit.
The program, established in Section 21190 of the Public Resources Code provided funding of $27.6 million in 1990-91. A total of $220 million has been distributed since 1971. No funds are available for FY 96/97.
Contact: Don Wallace, Resources Agency, 1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311, Sacramento, CA 95814. Telephone (916) 653-9709, FAX (916) 653-8102.
The Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program was established by the enactment of the Transportation Blueprint Legislation of 1989 (AB 421, Katz). This program for mitigating negative effects of highways and vehicle operations is administered by the California Transportation Commission. The enabling legislation (Section 164.56 of the Streets and Highways Code) provides a $10 million annual appropriation through fiscal year 2000/2001 for several purposes, including grants for acquisition, restoration, or enhancement of resource lands to mitigate loss of, or detriment to, lands near rights-of way. The program provides grants to local, State and Federal agencies, and nonprofit entities to provide enhancement or additional mitigation for the environmental impact of modified or new public transportation facilities.
Grants for individual projects are generally limited to $500,000 each, but may be larger if certain criteria are met. Categories of environmental enhancement and mitigation projects eligible for funding include: highway landscaping and urban forestry; the acquisition, restoration, or enhancement of resource lands to mitigate the loss of, or the detriment to, resource lands lying within or near the right-of-way acquired for proposed transportation improvements; and acquisition and/or development of roadside recreation opportunities. Resource lands include natural areas, wetlands, forests, woodlands, meadows, streams, or other areas containing fish or wildlife habitat.
Following receipt of the application by the Resources Agency and completion of the evaluation process, a list of recommended projects will be submitted to the California Transportation Commission. From that list, the Commission will select projects to be funded.
Contact: Bill Borden, Program Coordinator, Resources Agency, 1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311, Sacramento, CA 95814. Telephone (916) 653-5656, FAX (916) 653-8102.
There are a number of funds that are administered through DFG's Fishery Restoration Grants Program. These include: Proposition 99, Proposition 70, the Steelhead Trout Catch Report-Restoration Card funds, the Bosco-Keene Renewable Resources Investment Fund (RRIF), the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (Public Law 102-575), and the Fisheries Restoration Account. The final filing date for the 1996/97 Fishery Restoration Grants Program was April 3, 1996.
Contact: California Department of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Division, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090. Telephone (916) 654-5628.
Or Contact: Harvey H. Reading, Inland Fisheries Division, Department of Fish and Game, 1416 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Telephone (916) 654-6505.
This fund receives revenues generated from the sales of licenses, stamps, and permits issued by the DFG for hunting, sport, and commercial fishing privileges, and other resource-related activities over which the DFG has purview. This fund presently provides approximately one-half of the DFG's annual monetary support.
Functionally, the fund is divided into two parts: the non-dedicated portion and the dedicated portion. In general, non-dedicated monies are available for expenditure at the discretion of the DFG for support of programs beneficial to fish, wildlife, and native plants. Expenditures from dedicated accounts within the fund are constrained to specific activities defined by their enabling legislation. Dedicated Fish and Game Preservation Fund accounts that have the potential to assist in anadromous fish recovery efforts are described under separate subheadings.
Funding for anadromous fish habitat restoration from the non-dedicated portion of the fund is very limited. Non-dedicated funds provided just over $179,000 of the $8.5 million budget for the Salmon and Steelhead Program in State fiscal year 1992/93.
The Salmon Stamp program provides funds for projects directed at restoring salmon populations through habitat enhancement or fish rearing, and to projects designed to educate the public on the importance and the ecological and environmental requirements of salmon. This dedicated account was created through 1980's legislation that imposed a stamp fee on commercial salmon fishers and crew as well as commercial passenger salmon fishing vessel operators and crew. The annual stamp fee ranges from $85 to $260 and is based on the total pounds of salmon landed during the previous year. Total annual revenue has varied from approximately $340,000 to just over $1 million. California's commercial fishing industry played an instrumental role in conceiving this legislation. The requirement for salmon stamps extends through December 1996.
Funds from stamp sales are deposited into two subaccounts, the Commercial Salmon Stamp Dedicated Account and the Augmented Salmon Stamp Dedicated Account. The first of these accounts ($30 per stamp) is statutorily directed to salmon rearing. The program annually rears a total of 2 million chinook salmon in the Central Valley, at a cost of $120,000. Production is divided between Feather River Hatchery and the Mokelumne River Hatchery. Expenditures from the augmented account must be in accordance with the recommendations of the Commercial Salmon Trollers Advisory Committee. Projects recommended for funding in the Central Valley include habitat restoration, rearing, equipment for hatcheries and habitat restoration crews, construction projects for facilities to support salmon rearing and habitat activities, and educational programs. Anyone may apply. Action projects are preferred to studies, evaluations or monitoring.
Up to $700,000 will be available in FY 1996/97 for the grants program.
Beginning January 1, 1993, California steelhead anglers are required to purchase a $3 catch-restoration card in addition to any other required licenses or stamps. Annual revenue generated from card sales is expected to be approximately $360,000. The enacting legislation (AB 2187, signed by the Governor on October 14, 1991) states that DFG can only use revenue from the sale of steelhead report cards to monitor, restore, and enhance California's steelhead trout resources and to administer the card program.
Up to one-third of the revenue may be expended for Central Valley steelhead. Proposals for work in the area of steelhead habitat restoration, cooperative steelhead rearing, and public education will be considered annually for funding through the DFG's Fishery Restoration Grants Program. Approximately one-half to two-thirds of this dedicated fund (this will vary with the number of cards sold) may be available annually for steelhead restoration work. Top priority for funding will be given to projects directed at restoring steelhead populations primarily through habitat restoration. Temporary steelhead rearing projects must be operated in conjunction with specific steelhead habitat restoration projects or for the prevention of native stock extirpation.
Proposals are evaluated by DFG and the California Advisory Committee on Salmon and Steelhead Trout. The proposals are evaluated according to their adherence to steelhead management objectives.
Up to $160,000 may be available this year, depending on card sales.
Project objectives should be consistent with existing basin/watershed plans and management plans, where available. If a project encompasses a greater scope than just steelhead restoration, only the steelhead restoration portion of the proposal will receive consideration for funding from card revenue.
Consideration will be given to proposals to develop a watershed plan for drainages lacking a basin restoration plan. These proposals should be for creation of a steelhead habitat restoration plan from a watershed approach that includes landowner involvement in long-term planning, as well as economic, social, physical, and biological factors. Again, this funding source will only consider supporting the steelhead restoration portion of watershed plan development proposals.
Proposition 99 provides funds for fish habitat restoration. Through the initiative process in 1988, Californians levied a tax on tobacco products and created the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Surtax Fund. The tax generates annual revenue in excess of $500 million, of which 0.83 percent is directed to fish habitat restoration through the fund's Public Resource Account.
In addition to the Public Resources Account, the Unallocated Account, which receives 25 percent of the total revenue generated, also exists in the fund. By law, a portion of the funds in this account could be used for anadromous fish restoration through transfer from this account to the Habitat Conservation Fund, administered by the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB).
Because of legal constraints, Proposition 99 funds are not available for fish rearing activities. Proposition 99 funds are directed toward habitat restoration projects only, based on the wording of Revenue and Taxation Code Section 30122(b)(5)(A), which governs expenditure of these funds:
§30122(b)(5) "The Public Resources Account, which shall only be available for appropriation in equal amounts for both of the following:
DFG expects that up to $116,000 may be available from Proposition 99 during 1996/97. Proposition 99 funds will be directed to specific areas in need of restoration. These funds will be initially apportioned as follows:
| Russian River Drainage | 22.7% |
| Mattole River Drainage | 22.7% |
| Gualala and Navarro Drainages | 22.7% |
| Streams with Salmon or Steelhead Populations South of San Francisco Bay | 22.7% |
| Tributaries to San Francisco Bay, Downstream from the Carquinez Straits | 9.2% |
Because of the current imperiled condition of Coho Salmon stocks, highest priority for proposition 99 funds allocated each target drainage will be given to projects in the drainage for Coho Salmon habitat restoration.
This fund, created by 1981 legislation, receives 30 percent of the revenue deposited into the Geothermal Resources Development Account. Under current law (Public Resources Code Section 34000), salmon and steelhead hatchery expansion and fish habitat improvement appear as items in one of eight listed potential uses for these funds. The amount of funding made available to DFG varies from year to year. This fund currently provides $280,000 to the Salmon and Steelhead Program, but future use of the fund is highly uncertain.
The Keene-Nielsen Fisheries Restoration Act of 1985 created this account. This account was established with the objective of remedying some of the more severe effects of water and other development activities on fishery resources. Authorizations totaling just over $15 million were included in approved legislation, but only $11.25 million were appropriated. The account was reauthorized through fiscal year 1993/94 by 1990 legislation, but the legislation provided no appropriation. The reauthorization did reword expenditure control language, however, tying expenditures closely to Salmon, Steelhead Trout, and Anadromous Fisheries Program Act projects.
In July 1992, the USBR and the DFG entered into an agreement similar to the fish replacement agreement between the DFG and the DWR. This agreement was structured to reduce and offset direct fish losses associated with the operation of the Tracy Pumping Plant and the Tracy Fish Collection Facility operated by the USBR near Byron. The agreement stipulated that the USBR, beginning in Federal fiscal year 1993 and for five consecutive years, provide funds to the DFG to be used for mutually agreed upon programs to offset and replace direct losses of striped bass and chinook salmon resulting from the operation of the Tracy Pumping Plant. During the first 5-year period, a total of $6.51 million will be provided. For fiscal years 1993 and 1994, funds will be limited to $600,000 per year. In fiscal years 1995 and through 1997, the USBR will provide $870,000 annually. The USBR will also provide one lump sum of $2.7 million by the end of fiscal year 1995.
Although no funds have yet been used, the DFG will be responsible for ensuring that programs funded by the USBR are implemented in a manner that will offset and replace annual direct losses resulting from export of water from the Tracy Pumping Plant.
The Federal government levies an excise tax, paid by manufacturers, on fishing tackle, pleasure boat, and motorboat fuel. The revenues are made available to the States on a matching basis (generally 3 Federal dollars for each State dollar) for funding fish restoration and enhancement activities, for wetlands restoration, and for acquisition of motorboat access to the nation's waterways. The Act presently provides $1.7 million to the Salmon and Steelhead Program. Additionally, the act provides part of the funding for Central Valley anadromous fish habitat restoration crews as well as their equipment and facilities.
On October 30, 1993, the President signed into law the Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-575), including Title 34, the Central Valley Project Improvement Act. The CVPIA amends the authorization of the Department of the Interior's California Central Valley Project (CVP) to include fish and wildlife protection, restoration, and mitigation as project purposes equal to irrigation and domestic uses. It further species that fish and wildlife enhancement are a purpose equal to power generation. The CVPIA identifies a number of specific measures to meet these new purposes and sets a broad goal of sustaining natural populations of anadromous fishes produced in Central Valley rivers and streams at double the average levels that existed from 1967 through 1991. By requiring specific fish, wildlife, and habitat measures to be implemented, Congress has largely defined the types of actions to be undertaken. The CVPIA also established in the Treasury of the United States the "Central Valley Project Restoration Fund" and authorized the appropriation of up to $50,000,000 per year to carry out programs, projects, plans, and habitat restoration, improvement, and acquisition as required. Up to $30,000,000 per year for the Restoration Fund are to be collected from CVP water and power contractors through increased charges for water and power.
Many of the specific habitat restoration and remedial actions of the CVPIA require State-Federal cost sharing. The State and the USBR have developed draft Memoranda of Agreement to facilitate implementation of the provisions and have developed a draft cost sharing agreement. Generally, the agreements are structured so that restoration actions can proceed quickly. In the event that one agency cannot provide its share of an individual project, the other agency can assume the total cost with the understanding that the financial imbalance will be corrected with implementing future projects. The total cost of implementation of all the anadromous fisheries and riparian restoration provisions in the CVPIA is unknown but is roughly estimated at $500,000,000. The State's total obligation for its share of the total is also unknown but expected to be about 30 percent of the total or approximately $150,000,000.
The Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947 (FGC Sections 1300 et seq.), authorizes the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) to make grants to public agencies and nonprofit groups for fish and wildlife habitat restoration. The WCB, comprised of the directors of the DFG and the Department of Finance, and the President of the Fish and Game Commission, has authority for expenditure of funds from a variety of sources for purposes beneficial to fish and wildlife as well as recreational activities associated with them. Funding sources that fall entirely or partially under the purview of the WCB include the Wildlife Restoration Fund and specified portions of both the California Wildlife, Coastal, and Park Land Conservation Fund of 1988 (Proposition 70), and the Habitat Conservation Fund (Proposition 117).
The WCB may grant funds for restoration activities to public agencies and to nonprofit groups and the California Riparian Habitat Conservation Program.
Contact: Wildlife Conservation Board, Attn: Scott Clemons, Field Agent/Riparian Program Manager, 801 K Street, Suite 806, Sacramento, CA 95814. Telephone (916) 445-1072, E-mail psclemons@ucdavis.edu, Fax (916) 323-0280.
The 1984 Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Bond Act (Proposition 19) provides funds through the WCB to correct the more severe deficiencies in fish and wildlife habitat in California. Funds may be used only by public agencies to enhance, develop or restore flowing waterways for the management of fish outside the coastal zone. Individuals or groups must affiliate with or act as the agent of a public agency to be eligible for these funds.
The California Wildlife, Coastal, and Park Land Conservation Fund of 1988 (Proposition 70), provides funds for restoration and enhancement of salmon streams, in accordance with the recommendations of the Commercial Salmon Trollers Advisory Committee and the California Advisory Committee on Salmon and Steelhead Trout. This initiative approved by Californians in 1988 provided $17 million to the DFG. Proposition 70 provided $10 million for salmon stream restoration. Expenditures must be in accordance with the recommendations of the Commercial Salmon Trollers Advisory Committee and the California Advisory Committee on Salmon and Steelhead Trout.
Proposition 70 also provided $6 million for the restoration of wild trout and native steelhead resources. Allowable uses of this fund included habitat restoration, acquisition of public access, and construction of an experimental propagation facility. DFG expects that up to $1.3 million will be available from Proposition 70 during 1996/97. Spending authorization for these initiative funds expires in 1998.
The California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990 created the Habitat Conservation Fund and provided for an annual appropriation of 30 million dollars to it from the General Fund. The General Fund obligation can be reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis by transfers to the Habitat Conservation Fund from other specified funding sources, including, among others, the Public Resources Account, Cigarette and Tobacco Products Surtax Fund, and the California Environmental License Plate Fund. The Board is responsible for administering annual appropriations to the Habitat Conservation Fund of up to $11.5 million. Pursuant to FGC Section 2786(e), funds may be used for acquisition, restoration, or enhancement of aquatic habitat for spawning and rearing of anadromous salmonids and trout resources.
This fund receives $750,000 annually from horse racing revenues. The funds are directed to implementation of the Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947.
The California Riparian Habitat Conservation Act of 1991 (SB906, Chapter 762) (FGC Section 1385 et seq.) established this program to protect, preserve, restore, and enhance riparian habitat throughout the State through acquisition of interest and rights in land and waters. Through the use of grants to nonprofit organizations, Federal and local governmental agencies, State departments and agencies, the California Riparian Habitat Conservation Program (CRHCP) will assist the conservation, restoration, and enhancement of riparian resources.
The goal of the CRHCP is to protect, preserve, and restore riparian habitat throughout California. The objectives of the program are: 1) assess the current amount and status of riparian habitat throughout the State; 2) identify those areas which are critical to the maintenance of California's riparian ecosystem; 3) identify those areas which are in imminent danger of destruction or significant degradation; 4) prioritize protection needs based on the significance of the site and the potential loss or degradation of habitat; 5) develop project specific strategies to protect, enhance, or restore significant riparian habitat; 6) develop and administer a grants program for riparian habitat conservation; and 7) provide a focal point for riparian habitat conservation efforts Statewide.
The WCB may award grants to nonprofit organizations, Federal or local agencies, Resource Conservation districts, and State departments for the purpose of riparian habitat conservation, restoration, or enhancement projects.
The enabling legislation which authorized the CRHCP provided for a wide variety of approaches in the protection, restoration, and enhancement of riparian habitat. The following types of projects are eligible for funding:
Acquisition/Easements/Donations. Acquisition will be a main component of the CRHCP, but will not be the sole focus. Acquisitions of real property for riparian conservation can be accomplished in several ways, including total in-fee purchase, less-than-fee purchase (i.e., usually in the form of a conservation easement), donations, land exchange, and purchase of development credits.
Restoration/Enhancement. A wide variety of active restoration and enhancement activities can be accomplished under the CRHCP. In addition to planting riparian vegetation in suitable locations (e.g., historic locations or disturbed sites), the projects could involve fencing to protect the riparian corridor along streams or other water bodies, development of water supplies to encourage natural recolonization or to enhance existing riparian habitat, removal of flood control structures to increase the area available for riparian habitat development, and removal of exotic vegetation that impairs or threatens existing native riparian habitat.
Preliminary Project Assessments. The preliminary project assessment would be funded to ensure that alternative approaches are considered, the scope of the project is realistic, there would be a well-defined product, and that the project methodology would be cost-effective.
All awarded grants will require a matching contribution from the project applicant. A minimum 25 percent cost share is required. The matching contribution can be in the form of a direct dollar match and/or in-kind services. In-kind service matching contributions can include, but are not limited to, volunteer labor and materials, assistance from local business entities, or management services from local schools or civic organizations.
All project funded from the CRHCP will require a long-term commitment on the part of the project sponsor to manage and maintain the property.
Contact: Wildlife Conservation Board, Attn: Scott Clemons, Field Agent/Riparian Program Manager, 801 K Street, Suite 806, Sacramento, CA 95814. Telephone (916) 445-1072, E-mail: psclemons@ucdavis.edu, Fax (916) 323-0280.
This is a 50/50 matching program. The applicant is expected to finance the entire project and will be reimbursed 50% of the costs, up to the amount of the grant. The amount of funds available vary from year to year. Announcements will be mailed each spring and will identify the amount of funds for that year. The application deadline is generally October 1. There are currently no funds available.
The California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990 provides the Department of Parks and Recreation $2 million annually from the Habitat Conservation Fund for 50 percent matching grants to local agencies. Eligible applicants include counties, cities, or districts as defined in Subdivision (b) of the Public Resources Code.
Eligible projects include: deer and lion habitat, including oak woodlands; habitat for rare and endangered, threatened and fully protected species; wildlife corridors and urban trails; wetlands; aquatic habitat for spawning and rearing of anadromous salmonids and trout species; and riparian habitat. Grant purposes, by law, include acquisition, restoration, or enhancement of aquatic habitat for spawning and rearing of anadromous salmonids and trout.
This is a 50/50 matching program. The match must come from a non-State source. $2 million is available annually beginning in FY 90/91 and continuing through FY 2020. The application deadline is October 1, but may be changed to better accommodate applicants. If so, announcements will be sent to all potential applicants.
Contact: Odel King, California State Department of Parks and Recreation, Local Assistance Section, 1416 Ninth Street, Room 1449-1, P.O. Box 942896, Sacramento, CA 94296-0001. Telephone (916) 653-8758, FAX: (916) 653-9824.
The Urban Forestry grant program was created by the California Wildlife, Coastal and Park Land Conservation Bond Act of 1988 (Proposition 70), and was allocated $5,000,000 to be administered over a five to seven year period beginning in 1989. Approximately $633,000 is available annually for grants.
Cities, counties, districts and non-profit organizations with 501(c)3 status may apply for grants. Eligible projects include planting trees along streets, in dedicated open space areas, and in public parking lots and school yards. The maximum amount that an applicant may request is $30,000 for any project. For projects in the Basic Tree Planting Assistance category, 90% of the funds must be used for purchasing trees (medium or large trees only). The remaining 10% may be used for public awareness and education that will encourage public participation, stewardship, and additional community tree planting. Grant funds may not be used for salaries or overhead costs. Under the Local Government-Power Utility Cooperative, the grants generally fund purchase of small trees and may also be used for stakes and ties, fertilizers and other planting materials except sprinkler systems.
To apply, contact by April 1 for a request for proposal. All 1996 applications were due the third week of May. Applicants selected for funding will be notified by the end of July, and contacts will be approved in the fall. Work should be completed within 12-18 months of the award.
Contact: Eric Oldar, Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, 2524 Mulberry, Riverside, CA 92501. Telephone (909) 782-4140 ext. 6125.
In 1961, this legislation established a State policy that enhancement of fish and wildlife is a purpose of State water projects and provided for a system of public recreation facilities as part of State water projects. The Act provided that costs for the preservation of fish and wildlife, determined to be allocable to the costs of the project, should be included by the DWR as a reimbursable cost in determining charges for water and power produced by the project.
This 1967 legislation provides for financial assistance to public agencies for water development, recreation, and fish and wildlife enhancement for projects substantially conforming to the California Water Plan. The DWR has purview over the program.
The DWR administers this program of granting Proposition 70 funds for urban stream restoration projects that are co-sponsored by local agencies and nonprofit groups. The purpose of this program is to prevent property damage by floods and bank erosion and to restore the natural value of streams. The primary project objectives are flood and erosion control, although qualified projects are enhanced if they provide educational or wildlife benefits. Projects are limited to urban streams, creeks, or small rivers. Projects on lakes, large rivers, wetlands or marshes, in addition to exclusively educational or wildlife enhancement projects, are excluded from consideration.
Cities, counties, districts and nonprofit organizations may apply for grants. Small unincorporated community organizations, or consulting firms may apply but must find a nonprofit organization or local government to sponsor their proposal. This grants program stresses community participation. Any proposal submitted by a government agency must be cosponsored by a logical local group with an interest in the problems or streams to be addressed by the proposal. Likewise, grants submitted by nonprofit organizations must be cosponsored by an appropriate local agency. Grants may range from a few hundred dollars up to a limit of $200,000, with most grants in the $5,000 to $50,000 range.
The application process is kept as simple as possible to encourage small local agencies, districts and nonprofit organizations to take part in the program. Typically, the application forms and guidelines are available in the fall, the application deadline will be around midwinter, and grant recipients will be announced and the money available in the late spring or early summer. All applications are reviewed by an interdisciplinary team of professionals representing the Department of Water Resources and Fish and Game, and the most competitive projects are selected for funding. No funding is available for 1996/97.
Contact: Earle Cummings, Urban Streams Restoration Program, California State Department of Water Resources, P.O. Box 942836, Sacramento, CA 94236-0001. Telephone (916) 327-1656.
The Environmental Water Program was created by the Environmental Water Act of 1989, and provides funding for enhancement and restoration projects (not studies) which will contribute significant environmental benefits to the State. Grant monies must be matched by either an equal amount of cash, or a combination of cash and in-kind services. Eligible projects include fisheries habitat restoration and enhancement, riparian habitat acquisitions, restoration or enhancement, and wetland habitat acquisitions, restoration or enhancement.
The DFG and the DWR entered into an agreement in late 1986 to offset direct losses of striped bass, chinook salmon, and steelhead caused by the diversion of water by the Harvey O. Banks Delta Pumping Plant. Direct losses were defined as losses of fish which occur from the time fish are drawn into Clifton Court Forebay until the surviving fish are returned to the Delta. These losses occur in spite of fish screens located at the pumping plant due to enhanced predator efficiency in parts of the system, very poor screening efficiency for fish less than about one inch long, and mortality caused by handling fish during salvage operations. In addition to annual obligations for losses at their pumping plant, the DWR also agreed to provide $15 million to initiate a program to increase the probability of quickly recovering fish populations.
During the time that the agreement has been in place, the DWR has approved expenditures of about $5.8 million from the $15 million account and has spent about $6 million in annual mitigation projects. Projects funded under both sources of funds have ranged from hyacinth control projects on the Merced River to a major salmon spawning gravel restoration project in the upper Sacramento River. The funds in the account are derived from the SWP contractors.
Contact: California State Department of Water Resources, P.O. Box 942836, Sacramento, CA 94236. Telephone (916) 445-9248, Fax (916) 653-4884.
Nonpoint sources (NPS) are the major cause of water pollution in California. As the State agency charged with protecting water quality in the State of California, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is committed to promoting implementation projects that reduce NPS pollution in waterbodies of the State.
The February 1987 amendments to the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) include Section 319, which establishes the framework for NPS activities on the State level. The CWA provides funding for the States' NPS programs, including grants for NPS implementation projects. The amount of funds available is dependent upon Congressional appropriations.
Problems that contribute to NPS pollution of California's waterbodies include channel erosion, sedimentation due to construction and land development, hydrologic modification, physical habitat alteration, industrial activities, mineral extraction, excessive or poorly timed applications of pesticides and fertilizers, natural or engineered agricultural subsurface drainage, irrigation tailwater, re-suspension of pollutants by dredging, seawater intrusion, septic systems and on-site disposal, polluted urban runoff, livestock grazing, and acid mine drainage. Implementation projects to reduce NPS loading from these sources are eligible for grant funding. NPS implementation activities include demonstration projects, technology transfer, training, public education, technical assistance, ordinance development, and other similar activities associated with control of NPS pollution.
For further information, contact the Nonpoint Source Program Coordinator at your Regional Water Quality Control Board, or the person below.
Contact: Pablo Gutierrez S., Nonpoint Source Unit, California State Water Resources Control Board, P.O. Box 944213, Sacramento, CA 94244-2130. Telephone (916) 657-0793
The State Water Resources Control Board provides water quality management planning grants to State, local, and regional agencies to address a wide variety of surface and groundwater quality problems. These funds are provided by the Federal government under Sections 205(j) and 604(b) of the Clean Water Act. These grants require a 25% non-federal match. The application deadline for these grants is usually in early summer. The funding emphasis is on projects that focus directly on corrective or preventive actions for waterbodies identified as "impacted" in the State's Water Quality Assessment, proposed by agencies with the capacity to perform and complete the proposed work. However, projects that focus on other water quality problems are also considered.
In addition, federal "Clean Lakes" grants are also made available through the State Board, usually annually. These funds are available for diagnostic/feasibility studies (30% match) or for implementation work (50% match) on publicly owned lakes and their watersheds. No funds are available currently.
Contact: Paul Lillebo, California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Quality, Water Quality Planning Program, 901 P Street, P.O. Box 100, Sacramento, CA 95801-0100. Telephone (916) 657-1031.
The EPA Wetlands Program, roughly $500,000 allocated annually for California, is coordinated by the Resources Agency and is available to all interested State departments. The funding source may be available for riparian assessment, enhancement, and restoration.
The NCW Program was established by the EPA in 1986, to integrate and address coastal water issues. Through the NCW Program, EPA is encouraging coastal managers to use existing resources and regulatory authority, and innovative management techniques, to bring about measurable environmental improvements.
The intended use of these funds is to implement projects in specific coastal watersheds and offshore waters of California, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands that protect and restore water quality and habitat. The selected California coastal watersheds and their associated offshore waters for FY 1993-94 are: San Diego Bay, Santa Monica Bay, Morro Bay, Elkhorn Slough, San Francisco Bay (up to the Carquinez Bridge), and north coast watersheds.
This is a new national effort by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to improve the status of native aquatic species on public lands through riparian area rehabilitation, watershed restoration, and species reintroduction. Preserving the biodiversity and ecological integrity of unique areas is an essential component of the restoration strategy.
The Fish and Wildlife Foundation contributes money to the program in the form of a challenge grant to USFS and BLM. To receive funding for individual projects, the project proponent must secure an equal amount of funds from non-Federal sources (e.g., private, corporate, or State sources). In addition, both BLM and USFS can contribute money to the projects. Thirty-four Bring Back the Natives projects received funding in 1993: the Fish and Wildlife Foundation provided a total of $400,000 to projects, BLM and USFS contributed over $800,000, and approximately $400,000 was provided from non-Federal contributions.
The State Coastal Conservancy was formed in 1976 to take positive steps to preserve, enhance and restore coastal resources, and to address issues that regulation alone cannot resolve. The Conservancy gives grants to local public agencies and nonprofit organizations to carry out projects along the coast and in San Francisco Bay. The Conservancy receives its funds from bond acts (Propositions 18, 19, 70) and must comply with the specific requirements of the bond act.
A limited amount of funding is available through the Resource Enhancement Program for watershed enhancement projects. The Conservancy only undertakes creek restoration projects as part of a larger, comprehensive watershed enhancement plan. Only watersheds which drain into significant resource areas, such as an estuary or wetland on the coast or along the bayshore, are eligible. It must be shown that activities in the watershed (pollution, soil erosion) are degrading the downstream resource and watershed enhancement is needed to correct these problems.
The Conservancy's funds may be used first for completing a watershed enhancement plan, and secondly, for implementing the actions outlined in the plan, including land acquisition, streambank repair, gully and other erosion source repair and riparian and wetland restoration. A maximum of $100,000 is available for plan preparation for qualified projects.
All Conservancy grants must be approved by the Conservancy Board. This Board meets monthly at various locations in the state. Applicants who have a specific project in mind should submit a description of the project, a detailed budget and a discussion of the significance of the affected resource. The Conservancy has no formal application forms or deadlines and reviews project proposals year round. Selection criteria include the significance of the downstream resource and need for watershed enhancement; a greater-than-local concern for the area; the urgency and cost effectiveness of the project; the cooperation and support of local government and private landowners; provision for monitoring and long term maintenance of the project; and the ability of the site to serve as a model project.
Contact: Reed Holderman, Program Manager, California State Coastal Conservancy, 1330 Broadway, Suite 1100, Oakland, CA 94612. Telephone (510) 286-1015.
The Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA) of the National Park Service's Western Regional Office provides technical assistance to citizen groups, local communities and governments working to conserve river corridors and watersheds and to establish trails and greenways. The mission of the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program is to advocate and assist community-based action on behalf of rivers, trails and open spaces. To be eligible for assistance, a local or State government agency and/or conservation group needs to be the local sponsor of a project. The RTCA program provides staff support for planning projects, including river conservation plans, trails concept plans, stream restoration strategies, riverfront revitalization, Statewide river and trail assessments, and wild and scenic river designation.
Contact: U.S. National Park Service, Western Region, Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, 600 Harrison Street, Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94107. Telephone (415) 744-3975, Fax (415) 744-3932.
The California Department of Education (CDE) has been directed by the Legislature to encourage the development and implementation of educational opportunities specifically relating to the conservation of energy, protection of the environment, effects of pollution and major land alterations on ecological systems, and the conservation, interpretation, and use of natural resources. The Environmental Education Grant Program is therefore designed to benefit students in kindergarten to grade twelve in the study of environmental education.
CDE is allocated approximately $500,000 each year from the Resources Agency, with funds furnished by the public through their purchase of personnel license plates. Generally, two-thirds to three-quarters of the funds are awarded through the competitive process and the remainder goes to State-priority projects. Five categories of competitive grants are usually offered, including: Micro-Grants (up to $1,000); Mini-Grants (up to $3,000); and Implementation, Site/Facilities and Networking Grants (up to $15,000). The applicants must show proof of matching contributions, and evidence that the project will continue to benefit the target audience after the state funds have been expended.
Applications for competitive grants are available in the spring; optional letters of intent may be submitted between April 15 and May 15 for feedback as to the feasibility of funding a project; grant applications are due the last Friday in June, and will be read the second week in July. Grants are disbursed in the fall.
State-priority grants are usually funded at $15,000 or more because of their typical regional and/or statewide impact. These grants primarily focus on curricular or programmatic development and implementation that will result in long term, statewide benefits to many students. After an initial screening of a State-priority prospectus by CDE, the grants are carefully reviewed by the Environmental Education Advisory Council, which then makes recommendations back to the CDE about funding the proposal. Given a favorable review, the applicant agency will be asked to submit a full proposal with a five to twenty page project narrative.
Contact: Bill Andrews, Consultant, Environmental Education Grant Program, Science and Environmental Education Unit, P.O. Box 944272, 721 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA 94244-2720. Telephone (916) 657-5374.
The information contained in this summary has been copied from several State publications including:
Compiled by: The Habitat Restoration Group P.O. Box 4006 Felton, CA 95018 (408) 335-6800
E-mail: hrg@cruzio.com
URL: http://www.cruzio.com/~hrg
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