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Lower American River Conservancy Program

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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

Advisory Committee Members

State Representatives

  • Kevin Thomas (Natural Resources Agency)
  • Jennifer Lucchesi (State Lands Commission)
  • Matt Almy (Department of Finance)

Sacramento County Board of Supervisors

  • Phil Serna, District 1
  • Patrick Hume, District 5
  • Rich Desmond, District 3

City of Sacramento

  • Nicole Cuellar (alternate for Mayor)
  • Karina Talamantes, Council Member, District 3

City of Rancho Cordova

  • Donald Terry, Council Member

Public Members

  • Cassie Gilson (Governor appointee)
  • Stephen Green (Senate appointee)
  • Corey Brown, Chairman (Assembly appointee)

Advisory Committee Charter (PDF)(opens in new tab)

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    Contact

    Cara Allen
    Cara.Allen@wildlife.ca.gov
    (916) 926-9584

    How to Apply

    The Program accepts proposal applications on a continuous basis. Please review the General Grant Guidelines (PDF) and contact the Program Manager with any questions. Visit the Grant Opportunities page for the application documents.

    Special considerations:

    All Full Applications must be reviewed and recommended for funding by the Program’s Advisory Committee before staff can bring the proposal to the voting members of WCB for final funding consideration. Since the Advisory Committee only meets twice per year on the second Thursday in April and October, the timing for submitting a Pre- or Full Application must be carefully considered when applying for grant funds. The board of WCB meets every quarter typically in February, May, August, and November. If invited to submit a Full Application, it must be received in January to be presented at the April Advisory Committee meeting or received by July to be presented at the October Advisory Committee meeting. After the Advisory Committee recommends it for funding, the proposal can be presented at the next quarterly Wildlife Conservation Board meeting.

    Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes and Recordings

    Wildlife Conservation Board
    Physical Address: 715 P Street, 17th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814
    Mailing Address: Wildlife Conservation Board c/o CDFW, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090
    (916) 445-8448 | Contact WCB