Rangeland, Grazing Land, and Grassland Protection Program

From California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB)

The Wildlife Conservation Board protects, restores and enhances California’s spectacular natural resources for wildlife and for the public’s use and enjoyment in partnership with conservation groups, government agencies and the people of California.

Type of Support

Overview

The grant aims to safeguard California's rangeland, grazing land, and grassland through conservation easements. It emphasizes preventing these lands from being converted to non-agricultural uses, ensuring the long-term viability of livestock grazing, and maintaining the associated benefits such as wildlife habitat, water quality, watershed health, and open-space value. The program encourages projects that sustain the integrity of these areas and innovate compatible use activities to enhance sustainability. Applications are accepted year-round, though most funding is already allocated, urging potential applicants to contact the WCB before applying.

Eligibility

Organization's Location
USA
Program Location
CA
Organization Type
Willing landowner
Local public agency
Special district
Resource conservation district
Joint powers authority
Nonprofit organization with IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
State agency
Other
  • Must comply with the "Principles of Compatible Use"
  • Landowner must disclose any known or suspected environmental conditions associated with the property
  • Conservation easement must not be required to satisfy a condition of any lease, permit, license, certificate, or other entitlement for use issued by public agencies
  • Proposed use must be consistent with local land use plans and zoning requirements
  • Holders of mineral rights will be notified of the intent to purchase a conservation easement

Ineligibility

Applicants seeking easements for intensified agricultural areas should consult DOC, California Farmland Conservancy Program
Not eligible for this grant.
not specified

Submission

Review Criteria

The WCB promotes the creation of projects in collaboration with partners focused on tackling regional landscape problems. By adopting a partnership model, a project benefits from a wide range of skills, knowledge, perspectives, and occasionally additional financial resources that might not be accessible for achieving the project’s goals. Proposals that include financial contributors are likely to be given precedence over those seeking full funding for the acquisition of the conservation easement.

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