Desert Conservation Program

About this funding opportunity

As a result of efforts undertaken by individuals and entities with a strong interest in protecting the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, Assembly Bill 1183, now known as the California Desert Conservation Act, was approved by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 28, 2021. Passage of the California Desert Conservation Act established the Desert Conservation Program under the administration of the Wildlife Conservation Board.

The Desert Conservation Program includes the following actions: Protect, preserve, and restore the natural, cultural, and physical resources of the portions of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts region in California through the acquisition, restoration, and management of lands. Promote the protection and restoration of the biological diversity of the region. Provide for resilience in the region to climate change. Protect and improve air quality and water resources within the region. Undertake efforts to enhance public use and enjoyment of lands owned by the public. The Wildlife Conservation Board accepts pre-applications for acquisition, restoration, and management projects on a continuous basis. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to: Acquisition of land, especially parcels that are part of a wildlife movement corridor, contain water sources, have sacred or culturally significant tribal sites, protect listed species, or provide public accessRestoration of riparian and upland vegetationInvasive plant removal and control. Seed collection, processing, and propagationScientific studies, especially those that help aid in the recovery of listed species.

Topic areas: Circular Economy and Sustainability, Energy and Environment, Public Policy and Governance, Smart Cities.

Funding amount

This grant provides Varies in funding.

Deadline

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no single fixed deadline.

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to the following applicant types:

• NGOs
• Public Authorities

Eligibility

Eligible entities include: federal and state agencies, local public agencies, tribal entities, and non-profits with 501 (c)(3) tax exempt status. Desert Conservation Program Boundary Map

Agency

Desert Conservation Program is administered by Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB), listed via Wildlife Conservation Board.