State Conservation Programs
The State of California offers both wildlife easement and working lands programs. Administration of these programs includes several different state agencies such as the California Department of Fish and Game and some partnering nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) such as the Nature Conservancy or California Waterfowl Association.
Examples of these programs include the following:
Permanent Wetland Easement Program: The California Department of Fish and Game, in cooperation with the State Wildlife Conservation Board, administers this program that pays willing landowners approximately 50 to 70 percent of their property's fair market value to purchase the farming and development rights in perpetuity. The landowner retains many rights including: trespass rights, mineral rights, the right to hunt and/or operate a hunting club, and the ability to pursue other types of undeveloped recreation (i.e. fishing, hiking, etc.). Easement landowners are required to follow a cooperatively developed wetland management plan. For further information contact Dean Kwasny at the California Department of Fish and Game at 916/445-3486.
California Waterfowl Habitat Program: The California Department of Fish and Game will pay participating landowners $20 per acre per year for entering into 10-year agreements to follow management plans that enhance waterfowl habitat on their property. A habitat management plan is cooperatively developed for each property. The California Department of Fish and Game verifies compliance with the agreement at the end of each summer and makes payments accordingly. For further information contact Dean Kwasny at the California Department of Fish and Game at 916/445-3486.
Inland Wetland Conservation Program: The State Wildlife Conservation Board implements this program that will cost-share with private landowners on wetland restoration and enhancement projects. Landowners interested in pursuing these cost-share projects contact State Wildlife Conservation Board staff and/or a local sponsor (such as Ducks Unlimited, California Waterfowl Association, or local resource conservation districts). Working cooperatively, the landowner, State Wildlife Conservation Board staff, and the local sponsor design and submit a project proposal for funding. When funded, the State Wildlife Conservation Board's payment for the project is passed on to the landowner through the local sponsor. The landowner's contribution towards the project may be met through cash expenditures and or in-kind services. For additional information, contact Peter Perrine with the State Wildlife Conservation Board at 916/445-1093.
North American Wetland Conservation Act Grants: Non-profit organizations such as the California Waterfowl Association often apply for these federal grants that provide funding for wetland restoration and enhancement on both public and private lands. Past grants have provided considerable funding for wetland projects on private lands in the Sacramento Valley. Generally, these funds are used to cost-share on wetland projects and the landowner will agree to maintain the project for a minimum period of 10 to 25 years. Landowner contributions may be met through cash expenditures or in-kind services. Before any application is submitted, contact Chadd Santerre at California Waterfowl Association at 916/648-1406.
