Riparian Habitat Conservation
🏛 Wildlife Conservation Board (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Jul 8, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for California organizations seeking to protect agricultural lands and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Eligible applicants typically include nonprofits, public agencies, and land trusts that work on agricultural conservation. Organizations must focus on developing or expanding capacity to pursue agricultural land acquisition and conservation projects in California. Activities funded include planning, feasibility studies, and organizational capacity building to support future conservation work.
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Program description
The goal of the CRHCP is to protect, preserve, and restore riparian habitats throughout California. Typical riparian projects include, but are not limited to: Restoration of riparian vegetation and re-establishing floodplain connectivity. Active or passive restoration that may include an element of invasive plant removal and control. Installation of fencing along the riparian corridor to manage livestock or wildlife and reduce impacts to streams or riparian vegetation. Reconfigure degraded, incised, or undefined streams to restore natural hydrology and encourage reestablishment of native riparian habitat.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Cover letter or application form
- Project narrative/proposal
- Organizational information and capacity documentation
- Budget and budget narrative
- Letters of support from partners or affected landowners
Program contact
- 📧 Cara.Allen@wildlife.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-926-9584
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | 7 | 1 | 14% |
| 2025-2026 | 17 | 3 | 18% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
Nonprofits, public agencies, and land conservation organizations working in California are typically eligible. Applicants should focus on agricultural land protection and climate mitigation.
What is the geographic scope?
This grant funds projects in California only. Applicants must work on California agricultural lands.
What types of projects are supported?
Capacity development and project development grants support planning, feasibility studies, and organizational strengthening. These help organizations prepare for future land acquisition work.
How competitive is this funding?
Grants are highly competitive. Strong applications show clear ties to GHG reduction and detailed plans for conservation work.
What is the typical award size?
Award amounts are not specified in available materials. Contact the California Department of Conservation for funding ranges.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly connect your project to California's GHG emission reduction goals. Explain how agricultural conservation supports climate targets.
- Document your organization's capacity and readiness to execute conservation projects. Include timelines and staffing plans.
- Show partnership with landowners, agencies, and other conservation groups. Strong coalitions are more competitive.
- Use data on agricultural land loss and emissions in your region. Local context strengthens proposals.
- Request a pre-application meeting with the funder. They can clarify priorities and give early feedback.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to connect your project to California climate goals or GHG reduction. Submitting vague capacity plans without specific timelines or measurable milestones. Omitting evidence of landowner or partner support and community buy-in for proposed conservation work.
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