The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) today announced the selection of 43 projects that will receive funding for the restoration, enhancement and protection of anadromous salmonid habitat in California watersheds, as well as forest legacy restoration.

The grants, which total $15,297,743, are distributed through CDFW’s Fisheries Restoration Grant Program (FRGP). They include approximately $2 million allocated for timber legacy restoration projects and approximately $13.3 million for anadromous salmonid restoration projects. FRGP monies come from a combination of state sources and the federal Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund.

“Restoring the ecological function of critical fish habitat remains an ongoing priority,” CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham said. “Our successes happen when the entire restoration community works together, and we are so fortunate to have stakeholders in California committed to this goal.”

In response to the February 2016 FRGP solicitation, CDFW received 116 proposals requesting more than $36 million in funding in total. All proposals underwent an initial administrative review. Those that passed were then evaluated through a technical review process that included reviews by CDFW and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists.

The 43 approved projects will further the objectives of state and federal recovery plans, including removing barriers to fish migration, restoring riparian habitat, monitoring of listed populations and creating a more resilient and sustainably managed water resources system (e.g., water supply, water quality and habitat) that can better withstand drought conditions. These projects further the goals of California’s Water Action Plan and CDFW’s recently approved State Wildlife Action Plan, as well as addressing limiting factors specified in state and federal recovery plans.

The list of approved projects is available on the FRGP website.