Wildlife Conservation Board funds environmental improvement projects

Contact:
John Donnelly, Executive Director, (916) 445-0137

The California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) today approved more than $35 million in funding to help restore wildlife habitat throughout the state. The 27 projects approved will protect habitat for fish and wildlife species, including some endangered species, as well as increase public access to these lands. In addition to the funds allocated by the WCB, the state will receive more than $26 million in federal matching funds for habitat protection and restoration.

Some of the projects funded at today’s WCB meeting include:

• California Fisheries Restoration Projects - 2008 - Mendocino, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties ($1.2 million)
• California Lost Fishing Gear Recovery Project, statewide ($400,000)
• Saddle Creek, Orange County ($11.66 million)
• Fieldstone Habitat Conservation Plan, Expansion 1, San Diego County ($20,000)
• Central Coast Corridor Restoration, (various grants totaling $876,600)
• Pit River Wetland Enhancement, Carey Ranch, Modoc County ($232,000)
• Lucerne Fishing Pier, Lake County ($470,721)
• American River Preserve, North Fork Unit, El Dorado County ($1.5 million)
• Giacomini Wetland and Riparian Restoration, Marin County ($420,000