The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is now accepting proposals for projects under its 2017 Fisheries Habitat Restoration Proposal Soliciation Notice (PSN). The PSN and online grant application can be found online. Applications must be submitted online by 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 16, 2017.

CDFW will also hold a series of public workshops to assist applicants in understanding the requirements of the PSN. Applicants are encouraged to attend a workshop even if they have submitted proposals in the past. Workshops will be held in Yreka, Fortuna, Fort Bragg, Sacramento, Petaluma, Fresno, San Luis Obispo, Monterey and Camarillo on various dates in February. For details and meeting contact information, please see dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=137841&inline.

The PSN invites restoration projects that meet the funding requirements of the Fisheries Restoration Grant Program (focusing on recovery of state-listed salmon and steelhead along the coast and in the Central Valley), the Forest Legacy Program (focusing on the restoration of watersheds affected by historic forest practices), the Commerical Salmon Stamp Program (focusing on projects enhancing the salmon fishery) and the Steelhead Restoration and Report Card Program (focusing on projects enhancing the recreational steelhead fishery). Eligible applicants include public agencies, recognized tribes and qualified nonprofit organizations. Funded projects could include habitat restoration, water conservation, education, monitoring and restoration planning.

While the amount of available funding is not known at this time, in 2016 the program was able to provide more than $15 million in funding for eligible projects. Funding for 2017 grants is expected to be awarded to approved projects in early 2018.

For information or questions about the PSN or application process, please contact Patty Forbes, CDFW Fisheries Restoration Grant Program Coordinator, at (916) 327-8842.