The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced USD 17 million (EUR 16 million) in grant funding for habitat restoration across the state, at least USD 8.5 million (EUR 8 million) of which is dedicated to advancing salmon recovery efforts.
“Timing is critical to restore and protect California’s biodiversity, and we’re seizing this moment to support a diverse array of projects that will benefit fish, wildlife, lands, and watersheds across the state,” CDFW Director Charlton Bonham said in a statement. “By collaborating with these important conservation partners, advancing Tribally led restoration, and by staying focused on protecting ecosystems with the greatest need, we’ll ensure these funds will help support vulnerable species and communities across California.”
Funding was provided by the 2022 Nature Based Solutions (NBS) Initiative and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds, the CDFW’s Cannabis Program, and Proposition 68. In 2022, California announced USD 200 million (EUR 189 million) in funding for restoration efforts, USD 100 million (EUR 94 million) of which was dedicated to helping salmon against drought and climate change.
Of the 18 projects to receive grants, eight will directly help salmon recovery efforts in the Klamath-Trinity watershed. Those projects include:
- USD 517,000 (EUR 488 million) to the Smith River Alliance for the Middle Stotenburg Creek Coho Habitat Enhancement Project;
- USD 127,000 (EUR 120,000) to the Scott River Watershed Council for “cutting the green tape” for Scott River Watershed restoration;
- USD 219,000 (EUR 207,000) to the Scott River Watershed Council for Scott River Tailings Restoration Phase 2;
- USD 3.1 million (EUR 2.9 million) to the Yurok Tribe for the Prairie Creek Floodplain Restoration Project;
- USD 2 million (EUR 1.9 million) to the Salmon River Restoration Council for Windler Floodplain habitat enhancement;
- USD 740,000 (EUR 698,000) to Ducks Unlimited for the design and permitting for White Mallard Dam improvements and Butte Creek flow enhancements;
- USD 991,000 (EUR 935,000) to Sierra Streams Institute for fish passage and habitat improvements in Dry Creek Yuba and Nevada Counties; and
- USD 814,000 (EUR 768,000) to The Nature Conservancy for Marble Peaks Ranch acquisition.
“The Nature Conservancy is grateful for the support of CDFW for the acquisition of this important property in the Scott River Watershed,” The Nature Conservancy Project Director Amy Campbell. “Projects that lead to the restoration of habitat and permanent protection flows are essential to the recovery of coho salmon, especially in light of the recent dam removals in the Klamath Basin, and can assist local communities with adjusting to a future where water security for both people and nature is essential.”
