Regulations

• Guide to Hunting and Other Public Uses on State and Federal Areas

Other CDFW Programs

• Wildlife Investigations Laboratory
• Hunting Program
• Nongame Wildlife Program
• Biogeographic Information & Observation System (BIOS)

California Landowner Incentive Program

Providing beneficial habitat for at-risk species on california private lands

Background

The Central Valley is extremely important to a host of federally threatened or endangered species, including the giant garter snake, valley elderberry longhorn beetle, San Joaquin kit fox, and willow flycatcher. Despite this importance, estimates indicate that California has lost nearly 95% of its original riparian habitat, 90% of its wetlands and 60% of its grasslands to various sources of habitat alteration. These losses affect wildlife by changing the function of the landscapes they depend on to feed, reproduce and raise young.

With nearly 50% of California privately owned, landowners play a significant role in maintaining healthy, functioning ecosystems. However, private landowners face numerous challenges while managing these habitats, including battling invasive weeds, expensive maintenance costs, and lack of technical know-how. Given these conditions, it is extremely important that incentive-based programs are available to restore and manage private lands.

Purpose

The California Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) is an effort to reverse the decline of at-risk species on private lands in California's Central Valley by providing monetary incentives and technical assistance to private landowners to enhance and manage the region's three predominant historic habitat types: riparian, wetland, and native grassland.

Projects

The California LIP now has two phases. Phase one is designed to promote management of California's newly restored wetland, riparian and native grassland habitats on private lands. Phase two actively restores and manages riparian buffers on working agricultural lands. We are currently accepting applications for both phases.

Cooperators

The California LIP is a California Department of Fish and Wildlife program funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the coordination of which has been contracted through Ducks Unlimited.

How to Apply

Phase 1 LIP has a continuous enrollment period. Phase 2 LIP applications will be accepted until January 31, 2008. Follow these links to access Phase 1 or Phase 2 applications in PDF format.

Contact:

Heidi West,
Lead Coordinator
Comprehensive Wetland Habitat Program
1812 Ninth Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 445-3486
Heidi.West@wildlife.ca.gov