WCB Public Access Program- Guidelines, 2017 Solicitation, and Application Availability
As part of the May 25 meeting, the WCB approved Public Access Program Guidelines and the 2017 Solicitation. The 2017 solicitation and application will be released via this website on July 3, 2017.
To be eligible for consideration under the 2017 Solicitation, complete project proposals must be received by the WCB by close of business, August 31, 2017.
For questions, please contact Sadie Smith, Public Access Program Manager sadie.smith@wildlife.ca.gov or see the WCB Public Access program page for more information.
Welcome New Board Members
The WCB is happy to announce the Senate appointment of Mary Creasman and the Assembly appointment of Diane Colborn to serve as members of the Wildlife Conservation Board. Each brings a seasoned perspective on wildlife issues and will greatly contribute to the work ahead. On behalf of the Board and the entire WCB staff, Executive Director Donnelly welcomes them to the WCB.
Streamflow Enhancement Program- 2017
Interested parties participated, both in person and via the web, in a public workshop featuring a WCB staff presentation (ppt) on the Streamflow Enhancement Program that highlighted what is new for the Program and what is new in the 2017 Proposal Solicitation Notice (pdf) (anticipated release date July 3, 2017). For questions regarding the Program contact Brian Cary brian.cary@wildlife.ca.gov.
Future Meetings
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Thursday, August 24, 2017
Wildlife Conservation Board Meeting
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Thursday, November 30, 2017
Wildlife Conservation Board Meeting
Outcome of recent Wildlife Conservation Board Meetings
The WCB met on May 25, 2017, (pdf) and approved 11 staff recommended projects, as described in the Final Agenda (pdf). Staff also presented the Guidelines and Solicitation for the 2017 Public Access Program, reported on the status of the implementation of the WCB's Strategic Plan, and presented the 2017 Guidelines and updated Solicitation for the Streamflow Enhancement Program. Additionally, staff with The Nature Conservancy provided a visual before/after presentation of a WCB-funded project (pdf) on the Channel Islands. Interested parties participated, both in person and via the web
The February meeting of the Wildlife Conservation Board resulted in approval of 16 projects located throughout California. A profile of several of the newly approved projects is currently featured in CDFW's News Room. Full descriptions of all proposals presented and approved may be found in the February, 23, 2017, Final Meeting Agenda (PDF).
2015/ 2016 Legislation and the WCB
Two pieces of legislation that affect the Wildlife Conservation Board were introduced in the 2015/2016 legislative session and subsequently signed into law by Governor Brown.
- Senate Bill 1089 (Pavley) (PDF) expands the number of voting members on the WCB from three members to seven. Of the four additional members, two are to be appointed by the legislature and two are to be appointed by the Governor. Subject expertise is requisite of all appointees.
- Assembly Bill 1716 (McCarty) (PDF) creates the Lower American River Conservancy Program (Program) within the WCB. The Program is to provide coordination among governmental agencies in the protection and management of natural land, water, native wildlife, and vegetation of the American River Parkway. The legislation mandates that a 12 member advisory committee comprised of representatives from local and state government be established and convene twice a year.
2016 Events
- November 16, 2016, Wildlife Conservation Board Meeting - The Wildlife Conservation Board approved all 17 separate projects as proposed, allocating more than $28,000,000 to protect and restore habitats Statewide. A sampling of approved projects can be seen in the CDFW press release. Descriptions of all projects proposed at the meeting can be viewed in the meeting agenda (PDF).
- September 26, 2016 WCB Conservation Summit - On September 26, 2016, The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) held the first WCB Conservation Summit. The public was invited to attend and all were welcome to speak. See a summary of the conversation (PDF).