California Riparian Habitat Conservation Program
California Riparian Habitat Conservation Program supports public agencies and conservation nonprofits working to protect and restore California’s riparian habitat for fish, wildlife, and healthy waterways.
Funder: Wildlife Conservation Board
Due Dates: Rolling (proposals)
Funding Amounts: No stated limit on funding requests
Summary: Supports projects that protect, preserve, restore, and enhance riparian habitat across California.
Key Information: Nonprofit applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with a qualifying conservation-related charitable purpose.
Description
The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) runs the California Riparian Habitat Conservation Program to coordinate the protection and restoration of riparian ecosystems throughout the state. Established in 1991 and generally funded through California’s Habitat Conservation Fund, the program addresses habitats that support fish and wildlife while providing water storage, flood control, nutrient cycling, water quality protection, and recreational and economic benefits.
Projects may restore riparian vegetation and floodplain connectivity; remove or control invasive plants; install wildlife-friendly fencing to reduce livestock impacts; or reconfigure degraded streams to restore natural hydrology. Planning, design, and environmental clearance for riparian restoration are also within the program’s scope. The program’s authorizing law provides for grants and loans to support its purposes.
