Program: Forest Conservation Program

Bond Act: Proposition 84

Agency of Appropriation: Wildlife Conservation Board

Bond Statute: 75055(a)

Implementing Statute: Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947, Fish and Game Code, Chapter 4, Division 2, Chapter 4

  • Front-end
  • In-progress
  • Follow-up (Audit)
The Forest Conservation Program is a new Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) program authorized consistent with the provisions of Proposition 84. The purpose of the program is to award grants that promote ecological integrity and economic stability of California’s diverse native forests through conservation, preservation and restoration of productive managed forestlands, forest reserve areas, redwood forests and other forest types, including the conservation of water resources and natural habitats for native fish, wildlife and plants found on these lands. Additional consideration will be given to projects that can demonstrate an ability to reduce or sequester greenhouse gas emissions.

A comprehensive team of stakeholders was assembled to develop the program and project eligibility criteria and selection guidelines. The WCB is accepting applications twice a year for funding consideration. Applications can be submitted on January 31st and June 1st. All applications received in any one funding period will be evaluated by WCB and an independent team of Resource Agency professionals with biological and forestry expertise. Project applicants will be notified by WCB regarding the status of the project review and if the proposal will be submitted to the board for funding consideration.
Projects considered for funding under the Forest Conservation Program are required to submit a grant application requesting funds to either acquire and/or restore forestlands that will protect and promote the ecological integrity and economic stability and efficiency of California’s diverse native forests. Pending the availability of funds at the time proposed project is submitted, proposal that meet the eligibility requirements and sufficiently address the guiding principles and selection criteria, will be presented to WCB for funding consideration. If approved by the WCB, appropriate documents will be finalized authorizing the project applicant to proceed with the completion of the project.

The Forest Conservation Program is a new WCB grant program created under Proposition 84. The purpose of the program is to award grants that promote ecological integrity and economic stability and efficiency of California’s diverse native forests through conservation, preservation and restoration of productive managed forestlands, forest reserve areas, redwood forests and other forest types, including the conservation of water resources and natural habitats for native fish, wildlife and plants found on these lands.

Working in consultation with a comprehensive team of stakeholders and forest advisors, project eligibility criteria and selection guidelines have been developed. For further information on the Forest Conservation Program, WCB has posted a link to the Forest Conservation Program, grant guidelines and eligibility requirements on the WCB website.

Projects within this Program: