California Natural Resources Grants

Introduction EEM projects must contribute to mitigation of the environmental effects of transportation facilities. The California Natural Resources Agency (Agency) prescribes procedures and criteria to evaluate grant project proposals and submits a list of projects recommended for funding to the California Transportation Commission (CTC). The CTC awards grants to projects from Agency’s list. Related Transportation Facility EEM projects must mitigate, either directly or indirectly, the environmental impacts of a) the modification of an existing Transportation Facility or b) the construction of a new Transportation Facility (hereafter Related Transportation Facility or RTF). The EEM project can be the required mitigation for the RTF or enhancement to mitigation required for the RTF. Statewide Project Goals Agency grant programs assist state and local entities to develop more sustainable communities, increase adaptability to climate change using nature-based strategies, and protect biodiversity in compliance with Executive Order N-82-20, the Pathways to 30 x 30 California, and the Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy. Projects that demonstrate the following multiple benefits will be more competitive: • Improved air and/or water quality. • Reduced consumption of natural resources and energy. • Increased reliability of local water supplies. • Increased adaptability to climate change. • Increased protection and restoration of biodiversity Eligible Projects Examples The list below isn't comprehensive, but provides examples of project elements that meet statutory conditions. Urban Forestry: • Planting of trees and plants along urban streets and medians. • Greening existing public lands and structures, including school campuses and urban parks. • Greening vacant lots and abandoned sites. • Restoration of urban creeks. Resource Lands: • Removal of invasive and restoration of natural plant species. • Enhancement or restoration of natural areas such as inland wetlands, forests, oak woodlands, mountain meadows, creeks, and streams with riparian or riverine fish or wildlife habitat, wildlife corridors and fish passages, coastal estuaries, grazing land and grasslands. • Acquisitions in fee title or through conservation easements to safeguard regional water supplies, protect riparian and wildlife habitats, conserve agricultural lands for secure wildlife migration corridors, and provide public access for compatible wildlife/nature-oriented recreation by the wider community. • Acquisitions to preserve in perpetuity Resource Lands for agricultural uses, open space, wetlands, biodiversity, etc. Mitigation Projects Beyond the Scope of the Lead Agency: Project examples listed under Urban Forestry and Resource Lands categories may be eligible for the Mitigation Projects Beyond the Scope of the Lead Agency category, if the mitigation or enhancement measures for the RTF were infeasible or beyond the jurisdiction and/or authority of the Lead Agency for the RTF. Project Criteria Questions Applicants must choose only one project category and respond to all questions in the selected category. If a question doesn't apply to the project, indicate Not Applicable with a brief explanation.

In 2021, the California state legislature appropriated $3 million in funding to the Department to develop a Wolf-Livestock Compensation Pilot Program to help minimize the impact of gray wolves on livestock producers. The pilot program offers compensation to eligible livestock producers specific to the following primary areas of need (prongs):  Prong 1. Direct Loss - Compensation for verified livestock losses (confirmed/probable wolf) incurred on or after September 23, 2021. Prong 2. Nonlethal Deterrents - Compensation for the use of nonlethal deterrence methods to deter wolf presence near livestock. The Department supports the use of various deterrent tools and techniques as part of a robust, integrated deterrence strategy. Technical assistance may be available through CDFW, County Agricultural Commissions, UC Cooperative Extension, USDA Wildlife Service, and other agency partners. Prong 3. Pay for Presence - Compensation for indirect losses associated with the impacts of wolf presence on livestock in known pack territory. Extenuating circumstances may exist whereby CDFW will consider eligibility for wolf presence outside of known pack territory on a case-by-case basis.

The Coastal Conservancy funds a wide variety of projects along the California coast, San Francisco Bay, and in coastal watersheds to increase availability of beaches, parks and trails for the public, protect and restore natural lands and wildlife habitat, preserve working lands, and increase community resilience to the impacts of climate change. The Conservancy will fund most stages of a project including: pre-project feasibility studies, property acquisition, project planning including community involvement, design, environmental review, permitting, construction, and project-related monitoring. We do not fund operation and maintenance activities. Most Conservancy grants are awarded through this rolling pre-application solicitation. This includes Climate Ready, Wildfire Resilience, and all regional grant programs.  Explore the Coast, Coastal Stories, and some other grant programs are NOT awarded through this rolling process.

This funding program provides financial support to California Native American tribes for projects that address the impacts of sea level rise on their cultural resources and ancestral lands.

This grant provides funding to farmers and ranchers for the cleanup and remediation of solid waste on their properties, helping to address illegal disposal issues and promote environmental sustainability.

This program provides funding to farmers and ranchers in Marin County for projects that improve agricultural sustainability, protect biodiversity, and enhance resilience against climate change and market fluctuations.

This grant provides matching funds to states for acquiring land or conservation easements to protect habitats for endangered species, supporting efforts to reduce conflicts between conservation and land use.

This grant provides funding to public agencies in California for the repair and improvement of boating facilities, ensuring safe and accessible recreational boating experiences.

This program provides funding to California local governments, tribal entities, and certain state agencies for projects that use recycled tire materials in roadways, bikeways, and park access, promoting environmental sustainability and waste tire diversion.

This program provides funding to public, private, and nonprofit entities for replacing high-polluting diesel or CNG vehicles with zero-emission alternatives to improve air quality and public health in Santa Barbara County.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local agencies, Tribes, and nonprofits for projects that improve public access to California's waterways and enhance amenities for recreational boaters.

This grant provides funding to community organizations in Sacramento for projects that protect and improve local water quality by preventing stormwater pollution.

This program provides funding to support the restoration and enhancement of wetland habitats across California, benefiting wildlife areas and nesting bird habitats on both public and private lands.

This program provides financial assistance to businesses and organizations in Santa Barbara County for upgrading or replacing older diesel marine engines with cleaner technologies to reduce air pollution and improve public health.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and tribal governments managing boating facilities in California to enhance their efforts in preventing the spread of invasive mussels and protecting water resources.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various organizations in California for community-level wildfire risk reduction projects, including hazardous fuels management, planning, and education initiatives.

This fund provides financial support to grassroots activists and community organizations in California focused on preserving natural ecosystems and promoting environmental conservation, particularly in underserved areas.

This grant provides funding for research projects focused on the biology and ecology of coast redwood and giant sequoia forests, particularly those led by nonprofit organizations and Indigenous communities, to support conservation and restoration efforts.

This grant provides funding to reservoir owners and managers in California to implement measures that prevent the spread of invasive quagga and zebra mussels, protecting water systems and recreational activities.

This program provides financial support to farmers and ranchers in California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington for implementing regenerative agricultural practices that enhance soil health and sequester carbon.