Stream Flow Enhancement Program
The Stream Flow Enhancement Program supports California project teams working to improve stream flow through conservation, restoration, acquisitions, and studies for fish, wildlife, and climate resilience.
Funder: Wildlife Conservation Board
Due Dates: No deadline stated
Funding Amounts: Approximately $134 million awarded to 128 projects from 2016–2021
Summary: Funds California projects that improve stream flow for fish and wildlife.
Key Information: Water conservation projects need at least 20 years of protection for conserved water.
Description
The Wildlife Conservation Board’s Stream Flow Enhancement Program funds projects across California that change the amount, timing, or quality of water flowing through streams for the benefit of fish and wildlife. Its primary focus is on streams supporting anadromous fish or special-status and at-risk species, and on projects that strengthen climate resilience. The program advances California Water Action Plan objectives for species and habitat restoration and a more resilient water system.
Supported work includes water-rights transactions and transfers, water conservation, changes to diversions, groundwater storage, reservoir operations, and habitat restoration that enhances stream flow. Stream-flow gauging and scientific studies may assess completed projects or inform future improvements.
