California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced $44 million in funding for 15 projects aimed at tribal stewardship, salmon recovery, and desert protection across 11 counties. These investments are a significant step towards the state's "30x30" initiative, which seeks to conserve 30% of California's lands and coastal waters by 2030, while also expanding public access to nature and protecting biodiversity.
Governor Newsom emphasized the state's commitment, saying, "California doesn’t back away from protecting what makes this state so extraordinary. These investments are about standing with tribes and communities, restoring the ecosystems we all depend on, and protecting the natural heritage of generations to come." Tribal Affairs Secretary Christina Snider-Ashtari highlighted the importance of tribal care for lands and waters, noting the awards represent a shared commitment to stewarding California's abundant biodiversity.
The funding, granted through the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) and including $32 million from voter-approved 2024 Climate Bond dollars, will support diverse initiatives. Notable projects include a grant to the Tribal EcoRestoration Alliance for purchasing the 80-acre Politsuwi property in Lake County, expanding an Indigenous-led ecological restoration center. Another significant investment is an $11.5 million grant to The Wildlands Conservancy to acquire 14,177 acres in Siskiyou County, expanding the Beaver Valley Headwaters Preserve to protect salmon and steelhead runs.
Further projects include a $2.4 million grant to California Trout for stream and floodplain habitat restoration in Shasta Valley, benefiting coho and Chinook salmon. In South Lake Tahoe, a $4 million grant will restore 79 acres of mountain meadow along the Upper Truckee River, improving water quality and fish passage. Additionally, the Mojave Desert Land Trust received $7.5 million to acquire 1,093 acres near Yucca Grove, conserving critical habitat for the Mojave desert tortoise and preventing development within the Mojave National Preserve. These efforts underscore the administration's ongoing commitment to biodiversity, tribal partnerships, and expanding access to nature for all Californians.