Lower American River Conservancy Program
Lower American River Conservancy Program supports local agencies and nonprofits with habitat, access, and education projects to protect and enhance the American River Parkway’s resources.
Funder: Wildlife Conservation Board
Due Dates: Rolling (Proposals) | January 2027 (Full applications for April review) | July 2027 (Full applications for October review)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $11 million invested in 17 projects from 2018 through February 2026
Summary: Supports projects that protect, restore, enhance, interpret, and improve public access to the American River Parkway’s resources.
Key Information: Open to local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, with projects subject to Parkway Plan consistency review.
Description
The Lower American River Conservancy Program is administered by the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB). Created in 2017 through Assembly Bill 1716, it provides a state partner for local agencies and nonprofit organizations working to restore, enhance, interpret, protect, and improve public access to the American River Parkway’s natural, recreational, educational, and cultural resources. The Parkway extends from Nimbus Dam to the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers.
The program supports implementation, planning, and acquisition projects addressing habitat, public access, education and interpretation, and water quality. Priorities include developing and implementing a natural resource management plan and improving access to, protection of, and restoration of the Parkway. A 12-member advisory committee reviews eligible projects and recommends funding, with final approval resting with WCB’s voting members.
