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Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program Public Lands Funding 2026-27

Department of Fish and Wildlife · 160032

Eligibility details

Funding can only be used on public lands that are managed for wildlife (e.g. State Wildlife Areas or National Wildlife Refuges). The restoration or enhancement locations must also be able to provide summer water (from April 1 - August 1) within a half mile.

Matching funds & resources

Source matching-funds field: Not Required. While match is not required, projects that provide match funding will be awarded additional points in ranking and scoring.

Matching funds and leveraged resources are different requirements. Read the description and reviewed rules below before determining resource commitments.

About this opportunity

Public land projects funded through NBHIP may include the cultivation or retention of upland cover such as annual nesting cover or perennial native grasses and forbs, or management activities to improve the quality of perennial grass habitats such as managing noxious weeds and other undesirable plants. Any project that is funded by NBHIP will be required to leave the upland cover habitat unmanipulated (e.g., no discing, spraying herbicides, mowing, chopping, or rolling of vegetation) during the nesting season (April 1 – July 15). Furthermore, to be selected all projects must provide and maintain summer water habitats within one mile of the enhancement areas. To accomplish the objectives of this program, the Department is authorized to enter into grants or contracts with public and private entities, including nonprofit organizations, and California Native American tribes to help the department implement the program and improve breeding waterfowl and other upland game bird habitats in California (Fish and Game Code § 3480 “…the department may carry out the game bird breeding habitat purposes of the Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program on State Wildlife Areas and National Wildlife Refuges when necessary and as the department deems appropriate…”) The organizations must have the specific capacity (waterfowl habitat enhancement, native grass restoration, upland habitat creation or agricultural and farming experience to deliver the objectives). Examples of eligible projects are limited to the following categories: 1. Maintenance of existing perennial grass habitat for breeding waterfowl 2. Restoration and enhancement of existing perennial grass habitat for breeding waterfowl 3. Establishment of new perennial native grass and forb habitat for breeding waterfowl

Funding geography: Central Valley of California

Funding instrument: Grant. Issuing jurisdiction: California. This is not a geographic eligibility determination.