Proposition 4 – 2024 Climate Bond

On November 5, 2024, voters approved “The Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024.” This is Proposition 4 which is also referred to as the 2024 Climate Bond. This voter-approved initiative underscores Californians’ commitment to building a resilient future – and fulfilling the Conservancy’s mission to conserve land, and protect native species, habitat, and other valuable resources.

The Conservancy was allocated $73.5 M. This breakdowns to:

  • $25.5 M for wildfire prevention, including reducing community wildfire risk and restoring the health and resilience of forests and landscapes.
  • $48 M to reduce the risks of climate change impacts upon communities, fish and wildlife, natural resources, and increase public access.

Round 1 will have $11 million available for grants. Specifically, $3M for wildfire and forest resilience and $8M for nature-based solutions, to increase biodiversity and improve public access to public lands.

Requirements from the bond language for the Conservancy’s allocations are as follows:

  • 10% for Severely Disadvantaged Communities
  • 40% for Disadvantaged Communities and vulnerable populations

Eligible entities for the grant program include Tribal, local, state and federal governments and non-profit organizations.

Projects must address the most critical statewide needs for public funding, priorities include:

  • Conservation of wildlife and native habitat
  • Supports adopted state plans and priorities
  • Assists historically underfunded communities

Project Types:

Include, but are not limited to land conservation, resource protection, wildfire preparedness, recreation including public access and, water supply & flood management.

Sample restoration projects may include, but are not limited to:

  • The control of erosion.
  • Stormwater capture, treatment, reuse, and storage, or to otherwise reduce stormwater pollution.
  • The control and elimination of invasive species and harmful algal blooms
  • The planting of native species.
  • The removal of waste and debris.
  • Prescribed burning and other fuel hazard reduction measures.
  • Fencing out threats to existing or restored natural resources.
  • Improving instream, riparian, floodplain, or wetland habitat conditions.

Public Workshops will be held via Zoom:

Join Zoom Meeting Friday, February 14, 2025 @ 11 am Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting Thursday, February 20, 2025 @ 1 pm Pacific Time (US and Canada)

 

Guidelines for the Conservancy’s Prop 4 Grant Program

Prop 4 Grant – Guidelines

Concept Proposal for the Conservancy’s Prop 4 Grant Program

Prop 4 Grant – Concept Proposal

Prop 4 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 2024-2028 [pdf] [doc]

San Diego River Recreational Trail Plan [pdf]

San Diego River Conservancy’s Climate Change Policy

Links to State Plans and Priorities:

2023 Outdoors for All right of all Californians to have access to recreational opportunities, and enjoy the cultural, historic, and natural resources found across the state.

30×30 Strategic Pathways Document strategy establishes an inclusive, voluntary approach to protect biodiversity, increase access to nature for all and address climate change through conservation of nature

California’s 2021 Climate Adaptation Strategy accelerating NBS and strengthening the resilience of natural systems

2022 Scoping Plan to Achieve Carbon Neutrality – California Air Resources Board

2022 California’s Natural and Working Lands (NWL) Climate Smart Strategy, which identifies priority NBS to deliver climate benefits across all of California’s diverse landscapes and guides State programs and investments

California Water Plan Update 2023 https://water.ca.gov/Programs/California-Water-Plan/Update-2023

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 2021 https://fmtf.fire.ca.gov/media/cjwfpckz/californiawildfireandforestresilienceactionplan.pdf

California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment https://www.climateassessment.ca.gov/

California’s State 2015 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