CDFW Awards $14 Million for Salmon, Steelhead Habitat Restoration Projects
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced the selection of 26 projects that will receive a total of $14 million to protect, restore, and enhance the freshwater habitats of salmon and steelhead in northern California.
Trout Unlimited, Inc. Receives Funding for Duffy Gulch Fish Passage Improvement Project
As part of the grant program, Trout Unlimited, Inc. has been awarded over $2 million for the Duffy Gulch Fish Passage Improvement Project in Mendocino County. The project aims to remove a railroad stream crossing and restore fish access to nearly three miles of high-quality spawning and rearing habitat in Duffy Gulch, a tributary to the Noyo River. The new crossing will be a 45-foot diameter steel arch capable of handling a 100-year flood event.
Fisheries Restoration Grant Program (FRGP)
All projects were awarded through CDFW’s Fisheries Restoration Grant Program (FRGP), which has been in operation since 1981. Since 2000, the program has received funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund. The aim of the fund, established by Congress, is to reverse the declines of Pacific salmon and steelhead in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Alaska. This award also includes funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act to support the recovery, conservation, and resilience of Pacific salmon and steelhead.
Optimism and Hope for California’s Salmon
CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham expressed optimism and hope for California’s salmon amidst the challenges they face. The projects funded by FRGP will restore access to miles of river habitat and acres of floodplain, greatly improving the productivity and sustainability of fish populations.
Other Awarded Project Highlights
California Conservation Corps Watershed Stewards Program 2023
The California Conservation Corps Watershed Stewards Program in partnership with AmeriCorps will enlist 44 Corps members throughout coastal California to enhance watersheds that support salmon, steelhead, and other migrating fish. This will be achieved through restoration and protection, community education, and recruiting volunteers for hands-on projects.
Lagunitas Creek Coho Habitat Enhancement Plan
The Marin Municipal Water District has been awarded nearly $600,000 for the Lagunitas Creek Coho Habitat Enhancement Plan. This funding will fully cover the design, permitting, and environmental review for Phase 2 of the enhancement plan. The project involves five enhancement sites located within Samuel P. Taylor State Park in Marin County.
Proposal Review and Funding
CDFW received 35 proposals requesting over $23 million in funding in response to the 2023 Fisheries Habitat Restoration Grant Solicitation. Each proposal underwent a thorough technical review involving subject matter experts from CDFW and NOAA.
Complete List of Approved Projects
The complete list of approved projects can be found on the Fisheries Restoration Grant Program website.
Contact Information
CDFW Photo: Fish passage structure to be replaced.
Media Contacts:
Matt Wells, Watershed Restoration Grants Branch, (916) 216-7848
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714
Read More of this Story at wildlife.ca.gov – 2023-12-13 00:07:27
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