California Waterfowl Habitat (Presley) Program
Forecasted
California Waterfowl Habitat (Presley) Program supports private landowners in managing wetlands through cooperative plans to improve habitat for waterfowl and other wetland-dependent wildlife.
Funder: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Due Dates: Enrollment closed; waitlist available | December 1, 2026 (75% wetland flooding) | December 15, 2026 (Remaining wetland flooding)
Funding Amounts: Economic incentives for participating private landowners
Summary: Supports private landowners who manage wetlands under cooperative management plans to improve waterfowl habitat.
Key Information: Full incentive payments depend on compliance with an Annual Work Plan assessed by CDFW biologists.
Description
The California Waterfowl Habitat Program (CWHP), also known as the Presley Program, provides economic incentives to private landowners who manage their properties under wetland management plans developed cooperatively with California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) biologists. Its primary purpose is to improve waterfowl habitat on private lands, while also enhancing habitat for shorebirds, wading birds, and other wetland-dependent species.
Established through the California Waterfowl Habitat Preservation Act of 1987 in response to widespread wetland loss, the program combines landowner management with recurring biological assessments. Management activities include irrigation, summer discing, and weed abatement. Reported outcomes include increased food supplies for wintering waterfowl, improved foraging depths, and summer wetlands supporting breeding ducks and other wetland wildlife.
