San Diego River Conservancy’s Directed Grant Program
Funding for this grant program was approved by the California State Legislature and is provided through the Budget Act of 2021-22 for local assistance projects. This funding furthers the purposes of the Conservancy’s mission, enabling legislation Public Resources Code, Division 22.9, Sections 32630 et al. (“the San Diego River Conservancy Act”), the Conservancy’s Strategic Plan Update 2018-2023, and other state approved priorities and plans.
The amount awarded will depend on the quality of the proposals submitted. The maximum award amount per proposal is $2,000,000. Work performed under the grant agreement is subject to the availability of funds through the State’s normal budget process. Focus project types include land acquisition and conservation, resource protection, nature-based solutions, native habitat creation or restoration, recreation, public access, and climate, wildfire, and/or forest resilience.
Payments under the grant program will be made on a reimbursement basis only. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with the Conservancy prior to submitting a concept proposal to discuss environmental review, permit requirements, jurisdictional notification and other program requirements.
Eligible applicants must be a public agency, special district, joint powers authority, public college, public university, nonprofit organization that qualifies under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, or Native American Tribe that is either federally recognized or California Native American Tribe on the Native American Heritage Commission contact list and is located within traditional Kumeyaay territory and culturally affiliated with the County of San Diego.
Public Workshop held on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 @ 1 pm via Zoom
Comments for guidelines are due by February 27, 2022
Final guidelines for the Conservancy’s Directed Grant Program
Concept Proposal
Directed Grant – Concept Proposal
Directed Grant Program Manager:
Dustin Harrison, Environmental Scientist dustin.harrison@sdrc.ca.gov (619) 390-0571
San Diego River Conservancy Plans:
The San Diego River Conservancy Act, enabling legislation Public Resources Code, Division 22.9, San Diego River Conservancy Act, Public Resources Code Sections 32630 – 32659.9 [pdf]
San Diego River Conservancy’s Strategic Plan Update 2018-2023 [pdf] [doc]
San Diego River Recreational Trail Plan [pdf]
San Diego River Conservancy’s Climate Change Policy
Links to State Plans and Priorities:
The California Water Action Plan and subsequent updates, developed by the California Natural Resources Agency, Environmental Protection Agency, and California Department of Food and Agriculture, recognize the importance specifically calls for restoration of forest health through ecologically sound forest management.
The California Natural Resources Agency’s Safeguarding California Plan: 2018 Update identifies strategies for adaptation and risk management relating to climate change.
The 2018 California Forest Carbon Plan describes recommended actions to achieve healthy and resilient forests as a long-term carbon sink in light of climate change in California.
California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan https://fmtf.fire.ca.gov/media/cjwfpckz/californiawildfireandforestresilienceactionplan.pdf
California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment https://www.climateassessment.ca.gov/
California 2030 Natural and Working Lands Climate Change Implementation Plan (January 2019 Draft) https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2019-06/draft-nwl-ip-040419.pdf
California’s State Wildlife Action Plan is a comprehensive, statewide plan for conserving the state’s fish and wildlife and their vital natural habitats for future generations. Department of Fish and Wildlife: https://wildlife.ca.gov/SWAP/Final