Program: Coastal Salmon and Steelhead Fishery Restoration Program

Bond Act: Proposition 84

Agency of Appropriation: California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Bond Statute: 75050(a)

Implementing Statute: Public Resource Code 6217.1-2,

  • Front-end
  • In-progress
  • Follow-up (Audit)

The focus of the Fisheries Restoration Grant Program (FRGP) is to restore anadromous salmonid habitat with the goal of ensuring the survival and protection of Coho salmon, Steelhead trout, Chinook salmon, and Cutthroat trout in coastal watersheds of California. Established in 1981, this collaborative effort has involved more than 600 stakeholders in restoring declining salmon and Steelhead trout habitat. Over the last 25 years, the FRGP has invested over $170 million and supported approximately 2,600 salmonid restoration projects.

Projects are selected for funding through an annual solicitation, typically released in the spring. The intent of the Solicitation process is to solicit and fund projects that are consistent with the Steelhead Restoration and Management Plan for California and the Recovery Strategy for California Coho Salmon (see below). Projects range from education and instream barrier removal, to riparian restoration and project monitoring. Each proposal received by the due date goes through a rigorous review process by a technical review team, regional field evaluators, the California Coastal Salmonid Restoration Grants Peer Review Committee, and the Director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Through this process, reviewers evaluate the biological soundness and the technical and cost effectiveness of proposals and make recommendations for funding based on coast-wide and regional goals and priorities.


This program provides CEQA, 401 and 404 permit coverage for most of the projects funded through this program.

Projects selected for funding under the Fisheries Restoration Grant Program (FRGP) are required to spend grant funds according to the approved project scope and budget. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife conducts frequent site visits for each project to ensure the project is proceeding as planned. Each invoice for payment must be accompanied by a written description of the Grantee’s performance. The report shall describe the types of activities and specific accomplishments during the period for which the payment is being made. The final invoice must include a budget summary of cost share expenditures by fund source. The Grantee must provide supporting documentation for the invoice and actual receipts upon request of the Grant Manager. Ten percent is withheld from each and every payment pending fulfillment of the Grantee’s obligations herein. Upon completion of the Grantee’s obligations, the Grantee must invoice for the payment retention. The Grantee maintains complete and accurate records of its actual project costs and retains records throughout the term of the Grant and for a period of three years after receipt of final payment for purposes of an audit. Expenditures not documented, and expenditures not allowed under the Grant or otherwise authorized by the Grantor shall be borne by the Grantee.

Projects funded via the Fisheries Restoration Grant Program (FRGP) receive a close-out visit conducted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at the time the project is complete and prior to releasing final grant funds. The purpose of the close-out field visit is to ensure all project components were completed according to program guidelines and the terms of the grant agreement, including project scope and budget. All grantees must comply with all current laws and regulations which apply to the project and submit documents summarizing total project costs and all additional funding sources.

Projects within this Program: