Pedro Point Headlands

1. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Action
2. Proposed Express Terms
3. Initial Statement of Reasons
4. Final Statement of Reasons

Notice of Trail Closures, Fall 2026

The future Coastal Trail (“Ace Trail” to Devil’s Slide) will be intermittently closed weekdays from October 6^th to October 16^th for critical vegetation management work as part of the Pedro Point Headlands Wildfire Resilience and Evacuation Route Improvement Projects. The closure will be in place those weekdays from approximately 7am-4:30pm.

For public safety, the trail will be closed intermittently while work is proceeding.

For more information and updates, please refer to this webpage:

https://www.sanmateorcd.org/project/pedro-point-headlands-wildfire-resilience-and-evacuation-route-improvement-projects/

Press Release: State Coastal Conservancy Awards $94 Million for Coastal Access, Conservation, and Climate Resilience

Projects include wildfire resilience, land acquisitions, and Explore the Coast

Fort Bragg, CA – Today, the Board of the State Coastal Conservancy authorized over $94 million to 17 projects that will conserve land, expand public access to the coast, and enhance coastal resilience to climate change including wildfire.

Notably, the Conservancy awarded $42 million to the Wildlands Conservancy to acquire the fee title and leasehold interest in the 2,060-acre Wild Cherry Canyon property within the Diablo Canyon Lands in San Luis Obispo County. This largely undeveloped property west of Avila Beach offers unique natural and cultural resources and opportunities to open public and tribal access.

The Conservancy also authorized a grant of $5,000,000 to ytt Northern Chumash Nonprofit to undertake the yatspansini wayaktspu Conservancy Acquisition. This property is 357 acres of the Alexander Ranch, north of Cayucos in San Luis Obispo County. With this acquisition, the ytt will protect and restore natural resources and wildlife habitat; preserve open space; enable compatible aquaculture and agriculture uses, including grazing; protect cultural resources; provide compatible Native American tribal access and managed public access, including the potential establishment and management of tribal camping areas and an education center; and potentially create tribal housing for property management. ytt Tribal members describe their historic ties to the land as having served, since time immemorial, as stewards in this coastal area, managing land and ocean ecosystems seasonally through cultural fire, sustainable harvesting, and reciprocal care. The ytt Tribe’s acquisition of the Alexander Ranch would mark the first major opportunity in generations for the Tribe to restore cultural, ecological, and ancestral ties to their coastal homelands. Conservancy funding for this acquisition comes from the voter-approved Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 (2024 Climate Bond or Proposition 4).

The Board also approved $14,500,000 to the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority to undertake the Coyote Valley Landscape Linkage Acquisition, consisting of acquiring approximately 417 acres of land located in Coyote Valley in Santa Clara County for protection, restoration, and enhancement of natural resources and wildlife habitat; protection of open space and natural floodplain; provision of public access; and enabling climate-resilient agricultural use. The Santa Clara Valley was once a flourishing ecosystem of oak woodlands, savannas, grasslands, streams lined with riparian forests, connecting the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west and the Diablo Range to the east. However, over the years, agricultural and urban development has significantly transformed and fragmented the landscape. Coyote Valley, which is situated within the larger Santa Clara Valley, is often referred to as a “last chance landscape,” as it is one of the few remaining undeveloped valley floors, crucial for wildlife migration and adaptation to climate change. Funding for this project also comes from the 2024 Climate Bond.

The Conservancy’s flagship Explore the Coast program also received funding. A total of $964,535 was awarded to eleven nonprofit organizations and two school districts for thirteen projects that will help people who have faced barriers to the coast experience and enjoy the California coast and San Francisco Bay shoreline. Staff estimates that the programs funded today will engage more than 3,988 unique participants. Of these people, the programs will serve approximately 3,009 low-income Californians, 3,702 people of color, 211 youth who are houseless or in foster care, approximately 1,452 people for whom English is not their first language, and at least 1,398 people with physical, cognitive, and/or emotional disabilities.

The full list of projects considered today can be found below:

NORTH COAST

A grant of up to $935,000 to the City of Willits to augment the Conservancy grant authorized on November 30, 2023 to implement the Willits Rail with Trail Project, consisting of construction of a 1.6-mile trail between East Hill Road and East Commercial Street in the City of Willits that will eventually become part of the Great Redwood Trail in Mendocino County.

A grant of up to $329,800 to Conservation Works to undertake the Designing Water Resilience on Public and Working Lands Project, consisting of conducting studies and community engagement and preparing designs for improving water systems for purposes of supporting enhanced public access and wetland and other habitat at six state and county parks in Sonoma County.

A grant of up to $1,218,390 to the Wildlands Conservancy to undertake the Seawood Cape Preserve Overnight Accommodation Implementation Project, consisting of 1) developing final designs and completing the permitting process, and 2) constructing a campground, a new section of the California Coastal Trail, and other public access improvements and amenities at the Seawood Cape Preserve just north of the City of Trinidad in Humboldt County.

A grant of up to $825,000 to Blue Lake Rancheria to acquire and develop a management plan for the 54-acre Crannell Pasture on lower Little River near Westhaven, Humboldt County to preserve open space; protect and restore natural resources and wildlife habitat; protect cultural resources; and provide opportunities for compatible public access and California Native American tribal access and cultural use.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

A grant of up to $2,500,000 to Point Reyes Bird Observatory to augment two previous Conservancy grants to provide an additional two years of adaptive management of approximately 177 acres of restored wetlands by engaging the local community, maintaining and enhancing the wetlands, and implementing property improvements of public access amenities and other infrastructure in the Novato Baylands in Marin County.

Amend the scope of the Conservancy grant to Sonoma Ecology Center for the Cradle Basket Project, authorized by the Conservancy on November 21, 2024 to install an art installation comprised of five hand-carved boulders, produce accompanying audio/visual content, and create programming for tours that share stories of five tribes along a pathway to a future Indigenous Environmental and Cultural Learning Center along the Napa River, to reduce the number of hand-carved boulders that will be installed at Oxbow Commons from five to two.

A grant of up to $14,500,000 to the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority to undertake the Coyote Valley Landscape Linkage Acquisition, consisting of acquiring approximately 417 acres of land located in Coyote Valley in Santa Clara County for protection, restoration, and enhancement of natural resources and wildlife habitat; protection of open space and natural floodplain; provision of public access; and enabling climate-resilient agricultural use.

A grant of up to $4,000,000 to Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to undertake the Highway 17 Wildlife and Ridge Trail Crossings project, consisting of constructing a highway undercrossing for wildlife and 2.1 miles of multi-use Bay Area Ridge Trail made up of a highway overcrossing and an adjacent connector trail, south of Los Gatos in unincorporated Santa Clara County; and the adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

A grant of up to $10,055,692 to Ducks Unlimited, Inc., which includes $6,976,691 in funds from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, to augment Conservancy funding previously authorized for the restoration of tidal marsh and enhancement of managed ponds at the Eden Landing Ecological Reserve, $50,000 to the Aquatic Science Center for website management, and $50,000 to the California Wildlife Foundation to conduct outreach, all as part of Phase 2 of the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project in Alameda, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties.

CENTRAL COAST

A grant of up to $5,000,000 to ytt Northern Chumash Nonprofit to undertake the yatspansini wayaktspu Conservancy Acquisition, consisting of acquisition of 357 acres of the Alexander Ranch in San Luis Obispo County to protect and restore natural resources and wildlife habitat; preserve open space; enable compatible aquaculture and agriculture uses, including grazing; protect cultural resources; provide compatible Native American tribal access and managed public access, including the potential establishment and management of tribal camping areas and an education center; and potentially create tribal housing for property management, north of Cayucos in San Luis Obispo County.

A grant of up to $1,000,000 to the County of San Mateo to undertake the Half Moon Bay Landfill Climate Resilience Planning Project, consisting of conducting technical studies; analyzing alternatives; engaging the community; and preparing 30% conceptual designs, a plan for funding implementation, and a plan for permitting and environmental review for adaptation of the landfill located at Poplar Beach in San Mateo County

A grant of up to $42,000,000 to the Wildlands Conservancy to acquire the fee title and leasehold interest in the approximately 2,060-acre Wild Cherry Canyon property within the Diablo Canyon lands to protect, restore, and enhance natural and cultural resources; to provide public and California Native American tribal access; to enable potential construction of lower-cost coastal accommodations; and to enable agriculture that is compatible with these uses, in San Luis Obispo County.

A grant of up to $750,000 to the City of Pacific Grove to undertake the Lovers Point Pier Rehabilitation Project, consisting of repairing and enhancing the resiliency of the Lovers Point Pier for continued public access in Monterey County.

SOUTH COAST

A grant of up to $3,305,000 to Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District to undertake the Santa Ana River Trail Rincon to Prado Spillway Phase 2 Segment – Construction project, consisting of the construction of a 0.65-mile segment of the Santa Ana River Trail in Riverside County; and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

A grant of up to $1,500,143 to the University of California Santa Cruz Center for Coastal Climate Resilience to undertake CoSMoS Adapts: Supporting Coastal Climate Resilience in the South Coast, consisting of assessing adaptation solutions to reduce the risks of coastal hazards due to storms and sea level rise, conducting regional engagement and capacity‑building activities, and developing high‑resolution visualization and innovative communication tools that strengthen climate resilience planning in Ventura, Los Angeles, and Orange counties.

WILDFIRE

Grants totaling up to $4,200,000 to the Round Valley Indian Tribes, Sonoma Land Trust, and Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department to carry out implementation projects that will improve forest health and wildfire resiliency in Mendocino, Sonoma and Santa Clara Counties; and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

A grant of up to $100,000 to the East Bay Regional Park District to augment the grant of $2,075,000 authorized by the Conservancy on September 5, 2024 for wildfire resilience fuel reduction treatments, shaded fuel break development, and equipment purchases, and to expand the project to include developing a wildfire treatment prioritization framework and related management tools for all Park District land and to conduct a prioritization planning workshop for local public entities and nonprofit organizations.

STATEWIDE

Grants totaling up to $964,535 to eleven nonprofit organizations and two school districts for thirteen projects under the Explore the Coast program that facilitate and enhance the public’s opportunities to explore the California coast and San Francisco Bay shoreline.

Press Release: $42 Million Grant Advances Permanent Protection of Wild Cherry Canyon

State Coastal Conservancy, The Wildlands Conservancy, and local community groups partner to conserve approximately 2,060 acres near Avila Beach

FORT BRAGG, Calif. – Today, the Board of the State Coastal Conservancy authorized a $42 million grant to The Wildlands Conservancy to acquire the leasehold interest in and fee title of the approximately 2,060-acre Wild Cherry Canyon property in San Luis Obispo County.

Just inland of Avila Beach, Wild Cherry Canyon is an undeveloped sweep of coastal hills and canyons overlooking San Luis Obispo Bay and part of the approximately 12,000-acre Diablo Canyon Lands. A long-term private lease has left the property vulnerable to residential development. Acquisition of both the leasehold and underlying fee title will permanently remove the threat of development and secure its future as a new Wildlands Conservancy preserve.

“This has been more than 25 years in the making. I worked to protect Wild Cherry Canyon as California’s Natural Resources Secretary, and many others worked on it before and since. There were plenty of times when it looked like it might not happen, but the Central Coast community never gave up. Today, we can finally celebrate a major victory for this incredible piece of our coastline. I’m grateful to the Coastal Conservancy, The Wildlands Conservancy, tribal partners and everyone who stuck with this effort over the years to help protect Wild Cherry Canyon for generations to come.” said State Senator John Laird.

“The Coastal Conservancy and many others have been working to acquire this spectacular piece of the California coast for over 20 years,” said Amy Hutzel, Executive Officer of the State Coastal Conservancy. “This large stretch of coastal land offers rare and unique opportunities for habitat conservation, cultural resource protection, and public access. Today we are finally delivering the long-sought protection of this special place.”

The acquisition will occur in two transactions. The Wildlands Conservancy will purchase the leasehold interest by the end of the year, followed by acquisition of the underlying fee title, which is anticipated to close by mid-2027.

“We applaud the extraordinary efforts of everyone who came before us and worked to protect Wild Cherry Canyon,” said Frazier Haney, Executive Director of The Wildlands Conservancy. “Conserving an intact coastal landscape at this scale, bolstering protection for the larger Diablo Canyon landscape, and ultimately providing thoughtful public access is the central focus of Wildlands mission and core values.”

Wild Cherry Canyon’s coastal prairie, oak woodlands, chaparral, riparian habitat and headwater streams support a rich diversity of wildlife and strengthen ecological connectivity across the region.

“Wild Cherry Canyon captures so much of what is special about San Luis Obispo County,” said Kaila Dettman, Executive Director of The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County, a potential partner on a future conservation easement for the property. “The Irish Hills, with steep oak-studded hillsides, significant biodiversity, and remarkable scenery have been a key focus of land conservation efforts for decades. To have permanent protection of Wild Cherry Canyon within reach is incredibly meaningful for our community and for everyone who has worked so hard to get us here.”

Planning for future conservation and public and Tribal use at Wild Cherry Canyon is underway. Through the Diablo Canyon Lands Conservation Planning Project, the Coastal Conservancy and The Wildlands Conservancy will work with the local community and local Tribes to develop conservation, public access, and Tribal access easements or other instruments to protect the community’s vision for the property.

“Wild Cherry Canyon is a special and spiritual place to our Tribe. It’s a place we love and in our terms we belong to it,” said Mona Olivas Tucker, Chair of yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini tiłhini Northern Chumash Tribe San Luis Obispo County and Region. “Our responsibility to care for Wild Cherry Canyon never ends. We’re happy that it will be conserved and look forward to working with The Wildlands Conservancy and Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County for the safe keeping of this remarkable place.”

The community’s vision for permanent land conservation, managed public access, and direct participation of local Tribes is also reflected in the 2023 Diablo Canyon Land Conservation and Economic Development Plan as part of SB 846.

Among the opportunities to be explored is a potential five-mile segment of the California Coastal Trail that would contribute to a planned approximately 20-mile route between Avila Beach and Montaña de Oro State Park. Low-impact camping and outdoor education opportunities for schools, youth organizations, and other organized groups will also be considered.

“For Wildlands, acquisition is the beginning of our responsibility to this land,” Haney said. “We look forward to restoring and rewilding the landscape, working with Tribes to support their access and stewardship interests, and creating thoughtful, free public access so people can experience the beauty of Wild Cherry Canyon.”

Wildlands will manage the preserve in perpetuity. Early private support from the Wild America Fund helped catalyze the acquisition and advance the project through the deposit, due diligence, and project management stages. Additional public and private support will be needed for initial stewardship and ongoing management.

Public access will begin after the necessary planning, resource protection measures and access improvements are completed.

Beyond Wild Cherry Canyon, the Diablo Canyon Lands Conservation Planning Project also includes North Ranch and South Ranch surrounding the Diablo Canyon Power Plant. The planning process will move into a broader public phase on September 23 with a community-wide kickoff event in downtown San Luis Obispo. The open-house-style workshop will give members of the public an opportunity to learn more about the project and share their ideas for the future of the Diablo Canyon Lands.

Community Kickoff Meeting
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
San Luis Obispo Library Community Room
995 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93403

The event is family-friendly, and participants may visit anytime between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

To learn more about the event and the Diablo Canyon Lands Conservation Planning Project, visit diablocanyonlandsplanning.com.

About the State Coastal Conservancy

The State Coastal Conservancy is a state agency established in 1976 to protect and improve natural lands and waterways, help people access and enjoy the outdoors, and sustain local economies along California’s coast and around San Francisco Bay.

About The Wildlands Conservancy

Founded in 1995, The Wildlands Conservancy preserves the beauty and biodiversity of the earth and provides programs so children may know the wonder and joy of nature. Wildlands owns and manages 25 nature preserves totaling more than 210,000 acres across California, Oregon and Utah, providing free public access while advancing ecological restoration, rewilding and outdoor education. Since its founding, Wildlands has helped protect more than 2.3 million acres across the American West.

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Notes to Editors

Fee title to Wild Cherry Canyon is owned by Eureka Energy, a subsidiary of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, subject to a pre-existing long-term lease held by a private party. The lease allows uses consistent with the property’s zoning, including residential use. Protecting the property for conservation and access therefore requires acquisition of both the leasehold interest and fee title.

The Diablo Canyon Power Plant Land Conservation and Economic Development Plan, prepared by the California Natural Resources Agency pursuant to Senate Bill 846, identified conservation, recreation and Tribal partnerships among the guiding priorities for the Diablo Canyon Lands.

Water Trail Implementation Meeting #46, Sept 11, 10-11:30

San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail

Implementation Meeting #46

AGENDA

September 11, 2026; 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

VIRTUAL MEETING

Zoom link:
https://bayareametro.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_K-egN1KQTfqIvFp4uCFZFw

Agenda PDF

Desired Outcomes of Meeting:

• Attendees are informed of Water Trail-related activities, progress, and accomplishments
• After receiving Advisory Committee guidance, Project Management Team makes consensus-based decision on designation of Jack London Square.

Agenda items may be taken out of sequence at the discretion of the Project Management Team; times are approximate.

Questions regarding this meeting may be addressed to Virgilio Cuasay, Coastal Conservancy Project Manager, at (510) 286-0325, or virgilio.cuasay@scc.ca.gov.

Job Posting: Legislative Affairs Analyst

“Love the California coast and working on legislative issues?  This might be the job for you!”

The State Coastal Conservancy values diversity at all levels of the organization and is committed to fostering an environment in which employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees and their unique ideas inspire innovative solutions to further our mission of protecting and enhancing California’s coast and ocean for present and future generations.

Working under the supervision of the Director of External Affairs, the Legislative Affairs Analyst implements and manages the Coastal Conservancy’s legislative affairs and communications. The Analyst assesses potential legislation, coordinates with California Natural Resources Agency legislative team, develops a legislative outreach plan, and coordinates communication with legislative offices and stakeholders based in Sacramento.

In order to be eligible for this position, candidates must have taken the Analyst II online exam within the past 12 months. Please make sure to read the exam(s) bulletin before taking the exam:

Take the online Analyst II exam to become list eligible for this position.

The Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) is an optional pathway to state civil service for people with disabilities. Visit the CalHR LEAP page  for additional information.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Salary Band:

$6,031.00 – $7,775.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 8/28/2026

Steps to apply:

1. If you’re new to the state application process, please visit 3 Steps to a State Job to learn more about the process.
2. Create a CalCareers Account
3. Visit the job announcement at:
   • JC-527655 – Legislative Affairs Analyst
     ANALYST II
4. Review the Duty Statement.
5. On the Job Control Listing, click Apply Now to launch the CA STD 678, which is the State of California’s official State Application for job vacancies.
6. If any, answer questions/prompts on the CA STD 678 and upload all required documents before submitting the application:

1. 1. State Application STD 678 – make sure to fill out all sections (resume will not be reviewed/considered)
   2. If you’re new to the state application process, please visit 3 Steps to a State Job to learn more about the process.
   3. A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)

7. Verify that the CA STD 678 and other required documents have been “Submitted” in your CalCareer account.

8. Individuals who are new to state service must have list eligibility in order to gain employment with any state agency.

Other resources for applying for a job with the State:

Department of General Services: How to Apply for a State Job

CalPERS: How to Apply for a State Job

CalCareers: Help

State of CA Civil Service Pay Scale

Notice of Public Meeting on the Evaluation of the California Coastal Management Program

On May 20, 2026, the Department of Commerce issued a press release announcing its intent to conduct a new full, formal review of California’s Coastal Management Program, which includes the California Coastal Commission, the California Coastal Conservancy, and the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission. Under this review, the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration will open a public comment period to gather information from stakeholders that will be used to determine next steps related to the certification of California’s coastal management program under the federal Coastal Zone Management Act.

Federal Register Document #2026-12907 posted today, Friday, June 26, 2026, and includes the following information regarding how to engage in the public process.

Pursuant to the federal Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office for Coastal Management will hold one in-person and two virtual public meetings to solicit input for a performance evaluation of the California Coastal Management Program. These public meetings will add to the input obtained from the previous public meeting held in August 2024. Comments on all aspects of the California Coastal Management Program will be accepted, and in particular, NOAA seeks input from relevant stakeholders regarding: spaceport infrastructure, offshore oil production, pipeline maintenance, desalination projects, and undersea cables. NOAA will hold an in-person public meeting from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time (PT) on Monday, August 10, 2026, in the Pacific Ballroom, Hilton Santa Monica Hotel and Suites, 1707 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Any person who wants to speak at the in-person public meeting must be physically present and register by sending an email to czma.california-evaluation@noaa.gov by 11:59 p.m. PT on August 8, 2026. Each speaker will have three minutes to speak. Any speakers that do not register by email can sign up on location. NOAA will adjourn the meeting at 6 p.m. or when all participants have spoken, whichever is earlier. The meeting will be livestreamed, however, comments for the in-person meeting will not be accepted via livestream. Registration for the livestream is available at: https://noaabroadcast.adobeconnect.com/euqe1fzlqysm/event/registration.html.

NOAA will hold two virtual public meetings on Tuesday, August 11 and Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. PT. NOAA will conduct the virtual public meetings via Adobe Connect. Each person who wants to attend either virtual meeting must electronically register by August 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Attendance at each virtual public meeting will be limited to 1,000 individuals; therefore, NOAA requests that individuals attend only one meeting, on either August 11 or 12. NOAA will call on speakers on a first come/first served basis through the raised hand function of Adobe Connect. Each speaker will have three minutes to speak. NOAA will adjourn the meeting at 5 p.m. PT or when all participants have spoken, whichever is earlier. NOAA retains discretion to extend the virtual public meetings if appropriate and feasible. To register for either virtual meeting, use the following link: https://noaabroadcast.adobeconnect.com/e23ewcr5d65q/event/event_info.html. Each registered participant will receive an Adobe Connect link for the meeting.

NOAA will prepare written transcripts of the in-person and both virtual meetings which will be available via email request to czma.california-evalution@noaa.gov. Written comments may be submitted to NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management by email at czma.california-evaluation@noaa.gov. Include ‘‘Comments on Performance Evaluation of the California Coastal Management Program’’ in the subject line. Written comments received by 11:59 pm PT on August 22, 2026, will be accepted.

Please direct any questions to czma.california-evaluation@noaa.gov.

Press Release: Coastal Conservancy Awards $27.7 million for Coastal Restoration, Public Access, and Climate Resilience

6/25/2006 – Last week, the Board of the State Coastal Conservancy approved a number of grants, totaling over $27.7 million, to projects that will protect coastal resources, expand public access to the coast, and enhance the coast’s resilience to climate change.  Funding included:

•  $3,095,000 to the Solano Land Trust to undertake the Goat Island Tidal Marsh Restoration & Public Access Project, consisting of restoration and enhancement of 89 acres of tidal marsh, transition zone, and seasonal wetland habitat; and improvements to 1.36 miles of trails and amenities at Rush Ranch in Solano County.
• $10,000,000 to the Great Redwood Trail Agency for Great Redwood Trail planning, design, and construction in the counties of Mendocino, Trinity, and Humboldt.
• $1,870,000 to the City of San Luis Obispo and Pepperwood Foundation to carry out implementation projects that will improve forest health and wildfire resiliency in Sonoma and San Luis Obispo Counties.

Full information on all projects can be found in the meeting agenda here.

Request for Partnership Proposals/Letters of Interest for the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program FY 2027

NOTE:

This is a call-for preproposals for projects who would like to partner with the California State Coastal Conservancy to apply for US Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Coastal Wetlands Conservation (NCWC) Grant Program funding.

a) This is NOT the official NCWC call for applications.

b) Projects hoping to receive NCWC grant funding are NOT required to apply through the Coastal Conservancy. As stated below, there are six other state agencies who are also designated to apply for these funds for the projects in California. However, should a project wish to work with the Coastal Conservancy to manage and administer a potential future grant, please read the following announcement, and if you feel your project fits the NCWC grant criteria, please submit a brief (~2-4 page) letter of interest via email to morgan.wright@scc.ca.gov by 5 PM PST on Friday, May 29, 2026 (see further details below).

The California State Coastal Conservancy (Conservancy) seeks partners for joint applications to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 round of the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant (NCWC) Grant Program for coastal wetlands acquisition and/or restoration projects on the California coast or along the San Francisco Bay shoreline. Only seven designated state agencies, including the Conservancy, are eligible to apply for NCWC grants in California. However, the Conservancy can work in partnership with state and local agencies, tribes, and certain non-profits to develop and submit NCWC proposals.  The Conservancy can pass through NCWC grant funds to its partners, as subrecipients, to implement projects.  While federal agencies can’t receive NCWC grant funds, NCWC grant funded projects can be implemented on federal lands by a subrecipient. A full description of the NCWC grant program can be found here.

NCWC provides grants of up to $1,000,000 for the protection and/or restoration of coastal wetlands. Grants are for project implementation, although it is permissible to utilize no more than 30%, combined, for biological surveys or monitoring, planning and permitting if those activities are closely tied to implementation.  Projects should be ready for implementation infall 2027 or summer 2028 and end by late 2029. Projects will be more competitive if the project area is primarily made up of jurisdictional wetlands. The NCWC grant program requires a non-federal match of at least 25% of the total project cost, consisting of either cash or in-kind contributions, and additional points are awarded for match of up to 33% of the total project cost.  The Conservancy may be able to provide some or all the required match, but project partners providing their own match will increase the Conservancy’s capacity to carry out additional projects.  The NCWC grant program also prioritizes projects that involve multiple partners providing a cash or in-kind contribution. All projects must ensure long-term (at least 20 years) conservation of coastal resources.

Eligible Activities include:

1. Acquisition of a real property interest (e.g., conservation easement or fee title) in coastal lands or waters (coastal wetlands ecosystems) from willing sellers or partners for long-term conservation;
2. Restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems; or
3. A combination of acquisition, restoration, and management.

Ineligible Activities include, but are not limited to:

1. Projects that primarily benefit navigation, irrigation, flood control, or mariculture;
2. Acquisition, restoration, enhancement or management of lands required as the result of a regulatory or decision-making process to mitigate habitat losses;
3. Creation of wetlands where wetlands did not previously exist;
4. Enforcement of fish and wildlife laws and regulations, except when necessary for the accomplishment of approved project purposes;
5. Research;
6. Planning as a primary project focus;
7. Operations and maintenance, including long-term invasive species management;
8. Acquisition and/or restoration of upper portions of watersheds where benefits to the coastal wetlands ecosystem are not significant and direct; and
9. Projects providing less than 20 years of conservation benefits.

This year’s FY 2027 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), is available here as reference, funding opportunity Number: F27AS00007

If your project is selected by the Conservancy during this initial proposal phase, the Conservancy will work with you to prepare a NCWC grant proposal, which may or may not be awarded funding by the USFWS. The Conservancy will not award state funding grants directly through this solicitation. The USFWS selects proposals for award through a merit-based, national competitive review and ranking process. The deadline to submit NCWC proposals to the USFWS for FY 2027 will be July 9, 2026.  Selected projects are generally awarded 6-8 months after the application is submitted. If projects are awarded a NCWC grant, funding should be available for implementation in the summer/fall of 2027. 

USFWS will need to review and meet all project-related environmental compliance requirements before making funding available. A full description of the NCWC grant program can be found here.

Letter of Interest Submittal:

To indicate your interest in partnering with the Conservancy on a NCWC proposal, please submit a brief (~2-4 page) letter of interest via email to morgan.wright@scc.ca.gov . The letter should include the following information:

1. 1-2 sentence summary of proposed project,
2. location of the project and its relevance to NCWC grant coastal wetland restoration goals,
3. description of the need for the project,
4. description of the proposed project and how it addresses the need,
5. estimated project cost and description of potential match,
6. approximate timeline for project implementation (include information of the status of project design and environmental review for restoration projects),
7. indicate whether you have a willing seller for acquisition projects, and
8. list of potential project partners and their roles in the project. Include a map showing the project area and providing the approximate acreage of the project area and acreage of coastal wetlands within the project area.

Letters of Interest must be received by 5 PM PST on Friday, May 29, 2026.

Eligible Applicants: Non-federal public agencies, tribes, and certain nonprofit organizations are eligible for funding. To be eligible, a nonprofit organization must qualify under the provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Questions? Questions about the application process and potential projects may be directed to Morgan Wright, External Grants Coordinator, morgan.wright@scc.ca.gov

Coastal Conservancy Awards $44 million for Coastal Access, Restoration, and Climate Resilience

4/24/2026, SEAL BEACH – Yesterday, the Board of the State Coastal Conservancy awarded over $44 million in grant funding to a total of 23 projects that will help protect, restore, and improve public access to the coast. The projects funded were:

NORTH COAST

1. A grant of up to $6,000,000 to the Great Redwood Trail Agencyfor: (1) Great Redwood Trail Agency operations; and (2) trail and restoration planning, design, construction, and implementation in the counties of Mendocino, Trinity, and Humboldt.
2. A grant of up to $1,000,000 to Save the Redwoods League to undertake a portion of the third phase of the Redwoods Rising Projectconsisting of thinning 100-150 acres of forest to improve forest health and fish and wildlife habitat in Del Norte County.
3. A grant of up to $997,900 to the Mid Klamath Watershed Council to undertake the Red Cap Creek Floodplain Restoration Project, consisting of construction of off-channel ponds, reconnection of historic floodplain channels, addition of large wood structures, and restoration of riparian floodplain forest to a 1.5 mile segment of Red Cap Creek, in Humboldt County.
4. A grant of up to $2,457,427 of funds from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to Northcoast Regional Land Trust to undertake the Wood Creek Restoration Phase III: Felt Ranch Habitat Restoration Implementation project,consisting of restoring tidal and habitat connectivity of Wood Creek, creating anadromous salmonid habitat, restoring wetlands, and conducting monitoring on Felt Ranch and the Freshwater Farms Preserve in Humboldt County.
5. A grant of up to $1,500,000 to Trust for Public Land to undertake theShaahnaa’ Lhook’ Acquisition, consisting of acquiring the 672-acre Shaahnaa’ Lhook’ property for the preservation of open space; protection, restoration, and enhancement of natural resources and habitat for fish and wildlife; protection of cultural resources; and California Native American tribal access consistent with such purposes; and to develop a management plan, in Branscomb, Mendocino County.
6. A grant of up to $1,447,100 to The Nature Conservancy for the Navarro River-Flume Gulch Confluence Restoration Project, consisting of enhancements to restore overwintering and spring out-migration habitat for juvenile coho salmon within the mainstem Navarro River and Flume Gulch, including installation of five engineered log structures and floodplain alcoves, excavation of floodplain alcoves and banks, and placement of large wood in the Navarro River watershed, in Mendocino County.
7. A grant of up to $459,500 to Russian Riverkeeper to augment the Conservancy grant authorized on June 1, 2023, to implement the Healdsburg Arundo Removal Project, which consists of removing invasive Arundo donax along 5 miles of the Russian River to reduce fire risk to Fitch Mountain and Healdsburg in Sonoma County.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

8. A grant of up to $312,200 to Grassroots Ecology to undertake the Restoring the Shoreline for People and Wildlife Project, consisting of community engagement, workforce development training, a vegetation survey and ecological report, and restoration and maintenance of 2 acres of upland transition zone habitat and 5.3 acres of grassland habitat at Shoreline Regional Park in Santa Clara County.
9. A grant of up to $1,200,000 to the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council to conduct planning necessary to facilitate opening 30 miles of Bay Area Ridge Trail,including preparing studies, designs and environmental review documents; and to conduct public engagement with underrepresented communities.
10. A grant of up to $2,000,000 to the Petaluma River Park Foundation to augment Conservancy grants totaling $3,050,200 to expand the scope of the Petaluma River Park Advanced Planning Project(formerly the Petaluma River Park Planning Project), consisting of advanced park planning and designs, environmental review, permit applications, and Coastal Stories interpretive material designs associated with development of Petaluma River Park in Petaluma, Sonoma County.

CENTRAL COAST

11. A grant of up to $1,000,000 to theHomeless Garden Project to undertake the Natural Bridges Farm Acquisition, consisting of the acquisition of approximately 4 acres of working agricultural land to be permanently dedicated to public benefit purposes, including the protection of working agricultural land and open space, in Santa Cruz County.
12. A grant of up to $4,000,000 to the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County to construct the Community Harvest at Watsonville Slough Farm Project Phase 1, which will establish a trailhead, approximately 5 miles of trails, U-pick gardens, and a variety of public access amenities at Watsonville Slough Farm in Watsonville, Santa Cruz County.
13. Consideration and possible adoption of 2026 Rulemaking Calendar for Pedro Point Headlandsin San Mateo County.
14. A grant of up to $500,000 to the San Mateo Resource Conservation District to augment the previously authorized Pedro Point Headlands Wildfire Resilience Program to expand: 1) the project scope to include implementation of additional wildfire fuels reduction activities, and 2) the project area to include the adjacent Highway 1 evacuation corridor in Pacifica, San Mateo County.
15. A grant of up to $350,000 to the County of Santa Cruz to undertake the Shark Fin Cove Coastal Access Planning Project, consisting of technical studies, preliminary design, and environmental review for a paved coastal access parking lot with accessible pedestrian pathways at Shark Fin Cove in Santa Cruz County

SOUTH COAST

16. A grant of up to $2,925,000 to the City of Santa Ana to implement the Santiago Park Trail and Habitat Improvements Project. This project will consist of constructing site improvements in a 5-acre area on the eastern end of Santiago Park, including an accessible pedestrian walkway, native landscaping, lighting and a pedestrian bridge across Santiago Creek in Orange County.
17. A grant of up to $2,000,000 to the City of San Clemente for the San Clemente North Beach Sand Retention Planning Project,consisting of preparing technical studies, an alternatives analysis, and preliminary designs, and conducting community engagement for a sand retention project to address coastal erosion along the San Clemente shoreline, in Orange County.
18. A grant of up to $6,000,000 to the City of Riverside to implement improvements at Martha McLean Anza Narrows Parkin Riverside County and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
19. A grant of up to $1,472,000 to the City of Orange to undertake theOC River Walk – Upland Habitat Restoration Design Project, consisting of preparing design documents for a 7.3-acre habitat restoration and riverbank improvements project on the eastern bank of the Santa Ana River in Orange County.
20. A grant of up to $5,000,000 to Coastal Quest to undertake the Coastal Resilience Solutions for San Diego State Parks project, consisting of conducting community engagement, preparing feasibility studies and design documents, and obtaining permits for protecting and increasing resilience of public access improvements at San Elijo State Beach and Cardiff State Beach in San Diego County.
21. A grant of up to $1,600,000 to the Watershed Conservation Authority for the West Coyote Hills Acquisition, which consists of acquiring approximately 483 acres of West Coyote Hills for protection, restoration, and enhancement of natural and cultural resources and public access compatible with those purposes in Orange County, and to conduct tribal outreach regarding the acquisition.
22. A grant of up to $20,000 to Orange County Coastkeeper to manage the Conservancy’s public access easement at Portofino Covein Huntington Harbor in the City of Huntington Beach, Orange County.
23. A grant of up to $1,543,000 to the Maritime Museum Association of San Diego to augment an existing Conservancy grant to prepare design and engineering, environmental compliance documents, and permit applications for the Maritime Museum of San Diego entry buildingin San Diego County.

STATEWIDE

24. A grant of up to $400,000 to augment the Conservancy’s previously authorized contract for technical assistance with the environmental documentation, permit applications, and project planning to support wildfire resilience project development across the Conservancy’s Jurisdiction.

West Coyote Hills Acquisition

The State Coastal Conservancy will consider at its April 23, 2026 meeting an award of grant funding of up to $1,600,000 to the Watershed Conservation Authority to acquire approximately 483 acres of West Coyote Hills. The purpose of the acquisition is for protection, restoration and enhancement of natural and cultural resources and public access compatible with those purposes, and to conduct tribal outreach prior to the acquisition.

Section 5096.501 of Chapter 1.695 of the California Public Resources Code defines a “major acquisition” as one for which one or more state agencies will together spend more than $15 million to acquire land for specified purposes. The law requires a state agency contributing to a major acquisition to post on a public-facing Website certain documents related to the transaction, including an independent appraisal review, a  “project justification”, and other environmental documents as appropriate no later than 30 days before consideration and action to award funding. The following information is intended to comply with these requirements.

Appraisal Review

April 2026 Staff Recommendation (Project Justification)

Remedial Investigation Report