Desert Conservation Program
Desert Conservation Program supports public agencies, tribes, and conservation nonprofits in acquiring land, restoring habitat, and conducting studies to conserve California’s Mojave and Colorado Deserts.
Funder: Wildlife Conservation Board
Due Dates: Rolling (pre-applications)
Funding Amounts: Not specified
Summary: Supports land acquisition, restoration, management, and studies that conserve California’s Mojave and Colorado Deserts.
Key Information: Projects must be within the California deserts region; the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy area is excluded.
Description
The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) administers the Desert Conservation Program under the California Desert Conservation Act. The program protects, preserves, and restores natural, cultural, and physical resources in California’s Mojave and Colorado Deserts through land acquisition, restoration, and management. Its goals include conserving biological diversity, helping threatened and endangered species recover, strengthening climate resilience, protecting air and water resources, and improving public access to publicly owned lands.
Eligible work includes acquiring parcels with wildlife corridors, water sources, culturally significant tribal sites, listed species, or public access opportunities. The program also supports riparian and upland vegetation restoration, invasive plant control, seed collection and propagation, and scientific studies—particularly those aiding listed-species recovery.
