By Carolyn Coene
Protecting wildlife and preserving natural ecosystems play a significant role in maintaining biodiversity, healthy habitats, and helping communities adapt to environmental challenges. As climate change, habitat loss, and human development continue to affect species across the country, conservation efforts help protect vulnerable wildlife while preserving natural spaces for future generations to come.
California is investing more than $80 million in conservation projects to protect wildlife, restore natural habitats, and provide residents with opportunities to access outdoor areas.
The Wildlife Conservation Board approved funding for 23 projects across 16 counties, with efforts ranging from restoring salmon habitats and protecting wildlife corridors to improving wildfire resilience and expanding pollinator habitats.
The 30×30 Conservation Goal
The funding supports Governor Gavin Newsom’s 30×30 conservation goal, which seeks to preserve 30% of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. The initiative focuses on protecting biodiversity, addressing the impacts of climate change, and ensuring communities have access to nature.
Restoring Waterways and Fish Habitats
Many of the projects that have been approved focus on strengthening conditions for threatened and endangered fish species. A $29.3 million investment will help remove the Sunset Weir on the Feather River in Sutter County, allowing fish such as Chinook salmon, steelhead, and green sturgeon to reach upstream habitat. The project will also improve the river’s natural flow and support surrounding ecosystems.
On the North Coast, California Trout received $4 million to restore hundreds of acres of tidal marsh along the Eel River in Humboldt County. By removing old infrastructure and reconnecting the area with natural tidal flows, the project aims to create healthier conditions for native fish while helping the coastline handle rising sea levels.
Another project involving salmon in Trinity County will use nearly $3 million to restore floodplain and stream habitat along Salt Creek, a tributary of the Klamath River. The work will improve habitat for salmon and steelhead while diminishing erosion and strengthening groundwater connections.
Preserving Critical Landscapes and Corridors
The funding will also protect large areas of wildlife habitat. In Alpine County, an $8 million grant will help preserve nearly 1,700 acres of land near Markleeville. The property includes forests, wetlands, and waterways that support species such as Lahontan cutthroat trout, monarch butterflies and Sierra Nevada red foxes. Plans for the land include conservation management and public recreation, such as hiking and fishing.
In Southern California, a $5.9 million grant will preserve more than 1,200 acres near Jamul in San Diego County. The project will help protect a key wildlife connection between already existing conservation areas and provide habitat for species, including the Hermes copper butterfly and California red-legged frog.
Protecting Pollinators and Ecosystem Balance
The board also approved funding for pollinator conservation in Fresno County. A $1.87 million grant will support habitat restoration across agricultural and urban areas by creating pollinator-friendly spaces and planting miles of hedgerows to benefit monarch butterflies and other species.
Together, the projects represent California's continued effort to protect natural resources, strengthen ecosystems, and balance conservation with public access and community needs.
