Lower American River Conservancy Program

Overview

The Lower American River Conservancy Program (Program) was created by Assembly Bill 1716 (PDF)(opens in new tab) and became effective January 1, 2017 (Public Resources Code, § 5845 et seq. (the “Enabling Statute”)). The Program was created to provide a state partner to work cooperatively with local agencies, particularly the County of Sacramento in its role as the manager of the American River Parkway (Parkway) and nonprofit organizations to help fund projects and provide grants to restore, enhance, interpret, protect, and improve public access to the Parkway’s natural, recreational, educational, and cultural resources.

The Enabling Statue also created the Lower American River Conservancy Program Advisory Committee (Committee) (Public Resources Code §5845.4) whose role is to review each eligible project and provide a recommendation for funding. The WCB’s voting members have final authority over project approval and funding. The Committee is mandated to convene at least twice each calendar year in Sacramento County and be open to the public. The Committee consists of 12 members, including:

• Three members of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors 
• Two representatives of the City of Sacramento
• One representative of the City of Rancho Cordova
• Representatives from the Natural Resources Agency, the Department of Finance, and the State Lands Commission
• Three members from the public at large who have demonstrated knowledge of and expertise in the American River Parkway and the American River Parkway Plan

Helpful Resources

• Lower American River Conservancy Program Guidelines (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• 2008 American River Parkway Plan (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• 2017 Parkway Boundary and Ownership Map (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• 2021 Proposal Solicitation Notice (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Sacramento County Regional Parks website(opens in new tab)