California Construction News staff writer
California has announced almost $60 million in grants to protect biodiversity, restore wildlife habitats, and expand public access to nature, Governor Gavin Newsom announced last week.
The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) approved $59.6 million for 27 projects across 18 counties, including initiatives that support the California Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future, create wildlife corridors, and build outdoor recreation spaces.
“These grants further our work to get people outside and into nature while protecting and restoring California’s unique ecosystems,” Newsom said. The funding also advances the state’s 30×30 goal of conserving 30% of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030.
Projects include:
Wildlife crossings in Southern California
- $5.5 million to Mojave Desert Land Trust for environmental review and design of two wildlife crossings over State Route 62 near Yucca Valley, reconnecting habitat between the San Bernardino and Little San Bernardino mountains, including Joshua Tree National Park.
- $4 million to Temecula-Elsinore-Anza-Murrieta Resource Conservation District, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, to design a crossing over Interstate 15 at Rainbow Canyon, restoring connectivity for mountain lions and other species.
Salmon habitat restoration
- $2.9 million to California Trout Inc. for restoration of the East Fork Scott River at Beaver Valley Headwaters Preserve in Siskiyou County, improving summer flows and floodplain connectivity for coho salmon.
- $1.1 million for the Lagunitas Creek Aquatic Habitat Enhancement project in Marin County to restore habitat for coho salmon, steelhead trout, and other native species.
- $1.85 million to Chico State Enterprises for lower Battle Creek floodplain restoration in Tehama County, including levee removal and creation of salmon and steelhead habitat.
- $1.5 million to Sonoma County Regional Parks to restore spawning habitat on Mark West Creek for coho, Chinook, and steelhead trout.
Biodiversity restoration at Pepperwood Preserve
- $1.75 million to Pepperwood Foundation, with Conservation Corps North Bay, to restore 893 acres of oak woodland and grasslands in Sonoma County, reduce fuel loads, and reintroduce cultural burning practices.
Public access expansion at Watsonville Slough
- $4.88 million to the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County for a five-mile trail network and visitor amenities, providing free access to wetlands, grasslands and agricultural lands with bilingual interpretation and educational programming.
Grants reflect a broader effort to protect California’s biodiversity—considered one of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots—while increasing outdoor opportunities for all residents.
The WCB, established in 1947, works with tribes, conservation groups, government agencies, and communities to safeguard wildlife and natural areas for public enjoyment.
For more information, visit wcb.ca.gov.
