Proposition 1 Watershed Restoration Grant Program is sponsored by Department of Fish and Wildlife. To fund multi-benefit ecosystem and watershed protection and restoration projects.

The Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014 (Proposition 1) provides funding to implement the three broad objectives of the California Water Action Plan: more reliable water supplies, the restoration of important species and habitat, and a more resilient, sustainably managed water resources system (e.g., water supply, water quality, flood protection, environment) that can better withstand inevitable and unforeseen pressures in the coming decades.

The Watershed Restoration Grant Program funds water quality, river, and watershed protection and restoration projects of statewide importance outside of the Delta.

Watershed Restoration Grant Program # Delta Water Quality and Ecosystem # Restoration Grant Program # California Department of Fish and Wildlife # PROPOSITION 1 SOLICITATION AND EVALUATION GUIDELINES Revised 2023 > CDFW Proposition 1 Solicitation and Evaluation Guidelines i 1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 1 1.

1 Purpose ................................................................................................................. 1 1. 2 Background ...........................................................................................................

1 1. 3 Funding ................................................................................................................. 2 1.

4 Program Purposes ................................................................................................ 2 2 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................... 3 2.

1 Eligible Entities ...................................................................................................... 3 2. 2 Funding Priorities ..................................................................................................

4 2. 3 Project Categories ................................................................................................. 7 2.

3. 1 Planning .......................................................................................................... 7 2.

3. 2 Implementation ............................................................................................... 7 2.

3. 3 Acquisition ...................................................................................................... 8 2.

3. 4 Scientific Studies (Delta Proposals Only)...................................................... 11 2.

3. 5 Contingency Funding (Previous CDFW Awards Only) .................................. 11 2.

4 Eligible Project Types .......................................................................................... 12 2. 5 Specific Funding Requirements...........................................................................

13 3 GENERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS ................................................................ 14 3. 1 Budget .................................................................................................................

14 3. 1. 1 Cost Share ....................................................................................................

14 3. 1. 2 Indirect Costs ................................................................................................

15 3. 1. 3 Ineligible Costs .............................................................................................

15 3. 2 Conflict of Interest ............................................................................................... 16 3.

3 Confidentiality ...................................................................................................... 16 3. 4 California Conservation Corps and Certified Community Conservation Corps Consultation ........................................................................................................

16 3. 5 Disadvantaged Communities............................................................................... 17 3.

6 Land Tenure/Site Control .................................................................................... 17 3. 7 Design Plans/Engineering ...................................................................................

18 3. 8 Licensed Professionals ....................................................................................... 19 Revised 2023 > CDFW Proposition 1 Solicitation and Evaluation Guidelines ii 3.

9 Labor Code Requirements: Prevailing Wage ...................................................... 20 3. 10 Long-term Management and Maintenance ..........................................................

20 3. 11 Environmental Compliance and Permitting ......................................................... 20 3.

12 Water Law ........................................................................................................... 21 3. 13 Recognition of Funding Source ...........................................................................

22 3. 14 Project Performance and Monitoring ................................................................... 22 3.

15 Data Management ............................................................................................... 23 3. 16 Community Engagement, Capacity Building, and Equity ....................................

24 4 PROPOSAL SELECTION .......................................................................................... 25 4. 1 Proposal Submittal Process ................................................................................

25 4. 2 Proposal Review and Selection Process ............................................................. 25 4.

2. 1 Administrative Review................................................................................... 25 Table 1: Overview of Administrative Review Criteria .................................................

26 4. 2. 2 Technical Review ..........................................................................................

26 Table 2. Overview of Technical Review Criteria ........................................................ 26 4.

2. 3 Engineering-Geological Review .................................................................... 28 4.

2. 4 Independent Scientific Review ...................................................................... 28 4.

2. 5 Selection Panel ............................................................................................. 28 4.

2. 6 Director Review and Action ........................................................................... 29 4.

3 Contingency Funding Review Process ................................................................ 29 Table 3: Contingency Funding Review Criteria .......................................................... 29 5 GRANT ADMINISTRATION.......................................................................................

30 5. 1 Grant Agreements ............................................................................................... 30 5.

2 Invoicing and Payments ...................................................................................... 30 5. 3 Reporting .............................................................................................................

31 5. 4 Advanced Payment ............................................................................................. 31 5.

5 Performance Retention and Payments................................................................ 32 5. 6 Loss of Funding ...................................................................................................

32 5. 7 Standard Grant Conditions .................................................................................. 33 APPENDIX A – USEFUL WEB LINKS .............................................................................

35 State Departments and Programs: ................................................................................ 35 Other Relevant Resources: ........................................................................................... 35 APPENDIX B – GLOSSARY OF TERMS .........................................................................

37 Revised 2023 > CDFW Proposition 1 Solicitation and Evaluation Guidelines iii APPENDIX C – STATE AUDITING REQUIREMENTS .................................................... 41 Table 1: Overview of Administrative Review Criteria ................................................... 26 Table 2.

Overview of Technical Review Criteria. .......................................................... 26 Table 3: Contingency Funding Review Criteria..

………………………………………….

24 Revised 2023 > CDFW Proposition 1 Solicitation and Evaluation Guidelines iv # Acronyms and Abbreviations CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife CEDEN California Environmental Data Exchange Network CEQA California Environmental Quality Act CLC California Labor Code CNRA California Natural Resources Agency CWAP California Water Action Plan CWC California Water Code Delta Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Delta Reform Act Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Reform Act HRTW Human Right to Water NEPA National Environmental Policy Act PRC Public Resources Code SWRCB State Water Resources Control Board WRAMP Wetland and Riparian Area Monitoring Program Revised 2024 > CDFW Proposition 1 Solicitation and Evaluation Guidelines 1 These guidelines establish the process, procedures, and criteria through which the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will award and administer competitive grants for a diverse set of projects that provide multi-benefit ecosystem and watershed protection and restoration in accordance with The Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014 (Proposition 1).

Two grant programs were developed to achieve the goals of Proposition 1: the Watershed Restoration Grant Program and the Delta Water Quality and Ecosystem Restoration Grant Program, collectively named Restoration Grant Programs.

The Watershed Restoration Grant Program is focused on watershed restoration and protection projects of statewide importance outside of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta) and the Delta Water Quality and Ecosystem Restoration Grant Program is focused on water quality, ecosystem restoration and fish protection facilities that benefit the Delta.

These guidelines include information regarding eligibility requirements, general program requirements, solicitation notices, submittal, and evaluation of grant applications, and award of grant funding. Separate, but related, solicitations will provide detailed information regarding how to apply, and priorities and evaluation criteria specific to each solicitation.

Appendix A contains a list of useful web links and Appendix B contains a glossary of terms. The mission of CDFW is to manage California’s diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public. CDFW awards grants on a competitive basis using the proposal selection process described in Section 4.

The following legislation is the basis of the guidelines: 1. California Water Code (CWC) section 79700 et seq. – Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014 (Proposition 1); and 2.

Fish and Game Code (FGC) section 1501. 5(b) – The department [CDFW] may grant funds for fish and wildlife habitat preservation, Revised 2024 > CDFW Proposition 1 Solicitation and Evaluation Guidelines 2 restoration, and enhancement to public agencies, Indian tribes, and nonprofit entities whenever the department [CDFW] finds that the grants will assist it in meeting its duty to preserve, protect, and restore fish and wildlife.

CDFW has considered the Human Right to Water (HRTW) legislation (CWC §106. 3) and determined that HRTW does not apply to these funds for competitive grants for multi- benefit ecosystem and watershed protection and restoration projects in accordance with statewide priorities. Funding for competitive grants will be contingent upon fund availability.

Proposition 1, which was passed by California voters in November 2014, amended the CWC to add among other articles, sections 79737 and 79738, authorizing the Legislature to appropriate up to $285,000,000 and $87,500,000 to CDFW for watershed restoration projects statewide; and water quality, ecosystem restoration, and fish protection facilities that benefit the Delta; respectively.

Proposition 1 provides funding to implement the three broad objectives of the California Water Action Plan: more reliable water supplies; the restoration of important species and habitat; and a more resilient, sustainably managed water resources system (water supply, water quality, flood protection, and environment) that can better withstand inevitable and unforeseen pressures in the coming decades.

Funds granted by CDFW will primarily focus on addressing the objective of restoring important species and habitat; however, co- benefits of such actions may contribute towards attaining other California Water Action Plan objectives. It is the intent that these funds will be invested in projects that: 1. Provide public benefits, addressing critical statewide needs and priorities (CWC §79707[a]); 2.

Advance the purposes articulated in CWC §79732; 3. Leverage private, federal, or local funding or produce the greatest public benefit (CWC §79707[b]); 4. Promote State planning priorities consistent with section 65041.

1 of the Government Code and sustainable communities strategies consistent with the provisions of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) of subdivision Revised 2024 > CDFW Proposition 1 Solicitation and Evaluation Guidelines 3 (b) of section 65080 of the Government Code, to the extent feasible (CWC §79707[i]); 5. Use best available science to inform decisions regarding water resources (CWC §79707[d]); 6.

Employ new or innovative technology or practices including decision support tools that support integrated resource management (CWC §79707[e]); and 7. Achieve working agricultural and forested landscape preservation wherever possible through use of conservation easements and voluntary landowner participation, including, but not limited to, the use of easements pursuant to Division 10. 2 (commencing with section 10200) and Division 10.

4 (commencing with section 10330) of the Public Resources Code and voluntary habitat credit exchange mechanisms, to the extent feasible (CWC §79707[j]).

# 2 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Eligible entities are limited to public agencies, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations registered in California, public utilities, federally recognized Indian tribes, state Indian tribes listed on the Native American Heritage Commission's California Tribal Consultation List, and mutual water companies (CWC §79712[a]).

A public agency is defined as a state agency or department, special district, joint powers authority, city, county, city and county, or other political subdivision of the state (CWC §79702[s]). Additionally, to be eligible for funding: 1.

A project proposed by a public utility that is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission or a mutual water company shall have a clear and definite public purpose and shall benefit the customers of the water system and not the investors (CWC §79712[b][1]); 2. An urban water supplier shall adopt and submit an urban water management plan in accordance with the Urban Water Management Planning Act (Part 2.

6 [commencing with section 10610] of Division 6 of the CWC) (CWC §79712[b][2]); 3. An agricultural water supplier shall adopt and submit an agricultural water management plan in accordance with the Agricultural Water Management Planning Act (Part 2. 8 [commencing with section 10800] of Division 6 of the CWC) (CWC §79712[b][3]); and Revised 2024 > CDFW Proposition 1 Solicitation and Evaluation Guidelines 4 4.

In accordance with CWC section 10608. 56, an agricultural water supplier or an urban water supplier is ineligible for funding unless it complies with the requirements of Part 2. 55 (commencing with section 10608 of the CWC) of Division 6 of the CWC (CWC §79712[b][4]).

Proposals from private individuals, for-profit enterprises (except those that are eligible for Proposition 1 funding as a public utility), or out-of-state public entities (except those that are nonprofit organizations registered with the California Secretary of State) are ineligible for funding; however, these entities can work as subcontractors for an eligible applicant.

## Watershed Restoration Grant Program Proposition 1 funds multi-benefit projects, such as projects to restore and protect rivers and streams in support of fisheries and wildlife, including, but not limited to, reconnection of rivers with their floodplains, riparian and side-channel habitat restoration activities, and restoration and protection of upper watershed forests and meadow systems that are important for fish and wildlife resources.

Projects must be consistent with the purposes of Propositions 1 and contribute to implementation of the California Water Action Plan .

In addition, CDFW is seeking projects that contribute to implementation of State Wildlife Action Plan , Sacramento Valley Salmon Resiliency Strategy , Safeguarding California Plan , Central Valley Flood Protection Plan Conservation Strategy , California Biodiversity Initiative , state and federal recovery plans, or other relevant state and federal plans.

This program also focuses on projects that address impacts from recent wildfires throughout California. Proposals must address at least one of the following priorities: 1.

Large-Scale Wildfire Recovery Response and Prevention: The objective of this priority in response to the increase in frequency and intensity of wildfires and the devastating effects on watersheds, is to fund Planning and Implementation projects in fire-damaged watersheds that will contribute to restoration and recovery of stream and riparian habitats, prevent erosion, protect and improve water quality, and prevent potential future negative ecosystem effects.

2. Manage Headwaters for Multiple Benefits: Revised 2024 > CDFW Proposition 1 Solicitation and Evaluation Guidelines 5 Watersheds in the Cascades, Sierra Nevada and other forested areas of the state are places of origin for more than two-thirds of the state’s developed water supply. Many of these crucial watersheds are in poor health.

The objective of this priority is to fund projects that contribute to management and recovery of watershed ecosystem functions. 3. Protect and Restore Mountain Meadow Ecosystems: The objective of this priority is to protect, restore, and enhance mountain meadow ecosystems in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges.

Mountain meadows throughout California’s high mountain ranges are in a state of degradation due to land management practices and other factors. 4. Protect and Restore Anadromous and Other Native Fish Habitat: The objective of this priority is to protect, restore, or enhance anadromous and other native fish habitat in watersheds of California to aid in the recovery and conservation of these species.

5. Protect and Restore Coastal Wetland Ecosystems: The objective of this priority is to implement multi-benefit projects designed to protect, restore, or enhance coastal wetland ecosystems. These projects will seek to protect and restore diversity, quality, and connectivity across the range of wetland types extending from subtidal areas to upland transition areas, including non-tidal wetlands.

Restoring ecological condition and function within coastal wetlands will provide a variety of important benefits, such as improved habitat for fish and wildlife, enhanced flood protection, increased resiliency to sea-level rise and storm events, and improved water quality. 6.

Protect and Restore Cross-Border Urban Creeks and Watersheds: The ecological health of California-Mexico cross-border urban creeks and watersheds is threatened by urban and agricultural encroachment and pollution, sedimentation, trash, and other stressors. CDFW is seeking projects that address these threats.

Projects under this priority should address the unique ecological, flood control, water quality, and hydrological conditions associated with urban creeks and watersheds on the California-Mexico border. Funding is only available to the parts of a project that are located within the State of California.

Revised 2024 > CDFW Proposition 1 Solicitation and Evaluation Guidelines 6 ## Delta Water Quality and Ecosystem Restoration Grant Program The Delta Water Quality and Ecosystem Restoration Grant Program will fund projects that benefit the Delta.

Projects must be consistent with the purposes of Proposition 1 and contribute to implementation of the California Water Action Applicants awarded grants for projects that are covered actions under the Delta Plan will be required to provide a written certification of consistency with the Delta Plan, which is predicated on preparation of an adequate adaptive management plan per Delta Plan General Policy 1.

Obtaining a certificate of consistency includes consultation with the Delta Science Program’s Adaptive Management Liaison Team . Proposals must address at least one of the following priorities: 1.

Improve Water Quality: The objective of this priority is to plan for and implement multi-benefit projects that contribute to the improvement of water quality in the Delta to improve ecosystem condition, functions, and resiliency, including projects in Delta counties that provide multiple public benefits and improve drinking and agricultural water quality or water supplies. 2.

Improve Habitats in the Delta: The objective of this priority is to plan for and implement projects that protect, restore, or enhance aquatic, terrestrial, and transitional habitats to improve the health and resiliency of native fish and wildlife species in the Delta.

CDFW is seeking projects that are consistent with the Delta Plan including projects that contribute to the objectives of California EcoRestore but that will not be used to satisfy any regulatory compliance obligation.

If a proposal includes actions that are geographically adjacent to, or integrated with projects used to satisfy compliance responsibility, the proposal must clearly demonstrate that the proposed activities go beyond the regulatory compliance requirements, and that the associated costs can be tracked separately. 3.

Scientific Studies and Assessments that Support Restoration Projects or the Delta Science Program: The objective of this priority is to fund scientific studies to inform water and natural resource policy and management decisions related to the Delta priorities stated above.

Revised 2024 > CDFW Proposition 1 Solicitation and Evaluation Guidelines 7 CDFW awards grants on a competitive basis in different project categories that include planning, implementation, acquisition, and scientific studies to achieve the grant program purposes. CDFW may also award Contingency Funding to previously awarded projects, through a separate process, to support unanticipated costs and adaptive approaches.

Planning grants provide funding for activities that lead to specific on-the-ground implementation projects. Eligible activities for planning projects include, but are not limited to: 1. Preparing plans or supplementing existing plans (e.g., watershed and habitat assessments) that will result in a specific project or set of projects; 2.

Developing monitoring, adaptive management, climate change adaptation, and long-term management plans for a specific project; 3. Coordination with partners to develop large-scale restoration or enhancement projects; 4. Coordination with partners to develop standardized monitoring procedures; 5.

Performing necessary studies and assessments, collecting baseline data, and developing project designs related to a specific site or physical project; 6. Obtaining the services of licensed professional (refer to Section 3. 4 for guidance on when licensed professionals are required); 8.

Preparing California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) documents; and 9. Conducting stakeholder and public meetings. Implementation grants are the primary focus of the Proposition 1 Restoration Grant Programs.

These grants fund construction and monitoring of shovel-ready restoration and enhancement projects and new or enhanced facilities. Applicants must demonstrate land tenure, CEQA compliance, and submit 65% or higher design plans, a Basis of Design Report, and technical studies. Revised 2024 > CDFW Proposition 1 Solicitation and Evaluation Guidelines 8 Eligible activities for implementation projects include, but are not limited to: 1.

Preparation of bid packages and subcontractor documents; 2. Development of final engineering design; 5. Cultural resource surveys and tribal monitors, as recommended during tribal consultations (see Section 5.

2) 6. Habitat restoration and enhancement; 7. Pre- and post-project monitoring and adaptive management; 8.

Finalization and initial execution of a long-term management plan; and 9. Communicating project results to stakeholders and the public. Acquisition grants fund purchases of land and interests in land or water to support the California Water Action Plan and the Delta Plan goals.

Acquisitions must be from willing sellers and at fair market value, as confirmed by an appraisal approved by the Department of General Services (DGS) Real Property Services Section. A completed appraisal, approved by DGS, is not required at the time of proposal submission; however, if awarded, the appraisal must be submitted and approved by DGS prior to the request for distribution of acquisition funds.

Costs associated with preparation of the appraisal are ineligible for reimbursement through an awarded grant. Appraisal review by DGS can take up to 4-8 weeks and can cost up to $10,000; applicants should consider including this cost as a line item within their proposed budgets.

If a signed purchase option agreement is unavailable to be submitted with the application, a Willing Seller Letter is required from each landowner (see Section 3. 6). Once CDFW awards funds and signs an agreement with the grantee, another property cannot be substituted for the property specified in the application.

Therefore, it is imperative the applicant demonstrate the seller is negotiating in good faith, and that discussions have proceeded to a point of confidence. CDFW is interested in funding acquisitions that protect fish and wildlife habitat as a primary objective. Applicants should describe the species and habitats that would benefit from the acquisition.

Applicants should also describe performance measures, management strategies, and proposed conservation Revised 2024 > CDFW Proposition 1 Solicitation and Evaluation Guidelines 9 easement terms (if relevant) that demonstrate a clear nexus to the needs of target species.

In particular, the proposal should demonstrate how the acquisition will protect fish and wildlife habitat beyond merely restricting the fee owner’s right to subdivide parcels that make up the property.

For example, a proposal to acquire and manage a forested property should describe how the proposed conservation easement terms will provide greater fish and wildlife habitat protection than the minimum standards of the California Forest Practices Rules.

For each proposed acquisition property, applicants should include information on existing land uses and development and land uses and development that would be allowed onsite, including the location and a general description of such land uses and development. CDFW may rescind an award if the acquisition will not protect fish and wildlife habitat at a level consistent with what the applicant represented in its proposal.

Subject to CDFW’s discretion and prior approval, interests in water or real property acquired may be transferred to another entity that would be an eligible grantee under the Solicitation for that transferee to own, manage, and steward consistent with the purpose of the grant. CDFW will not hold title to interests in land or water, nor will CDFW enter into forbearance agreements with applicants or other entities.

The grantee must identify a separate entity to hold the title at the time of proposal submission. Eligible activities and expenses for acquisition projects include, but are not limited to: 1. Acquisition of fee title or perpetual conservation easements; 2.

Water acquisitions that include permanent, long-term, or short-term water transfers, leases, or dedications; and 3. Project-related administrative costs, including DGS appraisal review, monitoring plan and/or long-term management plan. Ineligible costs include: 1.

Appraisal preparation; 2. Environmental Site Assessment; 3. Mineral Rights Assessment; 4.

Other fees and costs to accomplish the transaction and the conveyance and acquisition of the property; and 5. Title escrow and closing costs. Revised 2024 > CDFW Proposition 1 Solicitation and Evaluation Guidelines 10 Applicants must disclose any known or suspected hazardous material release, threatened release or other environmental condition associated with the property.

Prior to execution of a grant agreement for acquisition of an interest in real property, CDFW will assess the risk posed to the intended conservation purposes by the environmental conditions of the property, including any recognized environmental conditions that could occur on the property.

As part of that risk assessment, CDFW may require the surface estate landowner or project proponent to provide CDFW and any third parties with a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment. Costs associated with preparation of the Environmental Site Assessment and related activities are not eligible for reimbursement.

Successful applicants should consult with CDFW for specific requirements prior to initiating work on an Environmental Site Assessment. If CDFW determines that the risk is not acceptable, and the grantee cannot reduce the risk to an acceptable level within a reasonable amount of time, then CDFW will rescind the grant award.

All grant awards for acquisition of an interest in real property are contingent upon a CDFW determination that the risk posed to the conservation values of that property by mineral exploration, development, and related consequences is acceptable. Prior to execution of a grant agreement, CDFW will assess the risk that future mining activities could occur on the property.

As part of the risk assessment, CDFW may require the surface estate landowner or project proponent to provide CDFW and any third parties with an interest in the minerals with a mineral assessment report. Costs associated with preparation of the mineral assessment report and related activities are not eligible for reimbursement.

Successful applicants should consult with CDFW for specific requirements prior to initiating work on a mineral assessment report. Based on its risk assessment, CDFW will determine whether the risk of mining and the related consequences for intended conservation purposes is acceptable.

If CDFW determines that the risk is not acceptable, and the grantee cannot reduce the risk to an acceptable level within a reasonable amount of time, then CDFW will rescind the grant award. CDFW may restrict grantees’ authority to conduct or allow commercial activity on real property purchased in fee simple through these grant programs.

CDFW may require that the grantee only use income generated from the property (Project Income) to offset the costs of owning, managing, or restoring the real property purchased with CDFW grant funds.

CDFW may also require that so long Revised 2024 > CDFW Proposition 1 Solicitation and Evaluation Guidelines 11 as the grantee is receiving Project Income or Project Income remains unspent, the grantee must provide CDFW with a basic annual accounting of Project Income. Finally, CDFW may impose restrictions on the use of water rights associated with fee simple property interests acquired with CDFW grant funds.

As per Public Resources Code 4751, for any conservation easement purchased with state funds on or after January 1, 2023, wherein land subject to the easement includes some forest lands, or consists completely of forest lands, to the extent not in conflict with federal law, the terms of any applicable bond, or the requirements of any other funding source, the landowner shall agree, as part of the easement management plan, to maintain and improve forest health through promotion of a more natural tree density, species composition, structure, and habitat function, to make improvements that increase the land’s ability to provide resilient, long-term carbon sequestration and net carbon stores as well as watershed functions, to provide for the retention of larger trees and a natural range of age classes, and to ensure the growth and retention of these larger trees over time.

In addition to satisfying the requirements of Public Resources Code 4751, proposals submitted to CDFW for improvement of forest health should include detailed management objectives for special-status fish, plants and wildlife species that may be present on the property. Funded grants that address stream flows and water use shall comply with the California Water Code (CWC), as well as any applicable State or federal laws or regulations.

Refer to Section 2. 5 (Specific Funding Requirements) of this document for specific requirements stipulated in Proposition 1 (CWC §79709). ## 2.

3. 4 Scientific Studies (Delta Proposals Only) Scientific Studies grants fund projects to assess the condition of natural resources, inform policy and management decisions, or assess the effectiveness of grant projects and programs. Funding for this category is available only through the Delta Water Quality and Ecosystem Restoration Grant Program.

## 2. 3. 5 Contingency Funding (Previous CDFW Awards Only) CDFW may solicit applications from previously awarded CDFW Proposition 1 projects for contingency funding to support unanticipated costs.

Applicants interested in Proposition 1 Contingency Funding grants may apply through a separate solicitation process, on an ongoing basis, pending availability of contingency funds and the nature of the funding request.

Contingency Funding requests must fit within the parameters of the current CDFW funded project and Revised 2024 > CDFW Proposition 1 Solicitation and Evaluation Guidelines 12 must be submitted with at least six months left in the current agreement term. # 2. 4 Eligible Project Types Funds will be allocated to projects within the Watershed Restoration Grant Program and Delta Water Quality and Ecosystem Restoration Grant Program.

Projects funded under these grant programs must implement objectives outlined in the California Water Action Plan, with emphasis on ecosystem restoration. CDFW will document, in each solicitation, the specifics concerning eligible project types. Project types that may be eligible in the solicitations include, but are not limited to, the following: ## Watershed Restoration Grant Program 1.

Restoring, protecting or enhancing habitat; 2. Improving forest health; 3. Modernizing stream crossings, culverts, and bridges; 4.

Reconnecting historical flood plains; 5. Installing or improving fish screens; 6. Providing fish passage; 7.

Improving ecological functions; 8. Acquisitions 1 from willing sellers; 9. Restoring cross-border creeks and watersheds 10.

Improving local watershed management; and 11. Removing sediment or trash. ## Delta Water Quality and Ecosystem Restoration Grant Program 1.

Projects to improve water quality or that contribute to the improvement of water quality; 2. Habitat restoration, conservation, and enhancement projects to improve condition of special-status, at risk, endangered, or threatened species; and 3. Scientific studies and assessments that support the Delta Science Program or projects eligible for funding through this grant program.

> 1“Acquisition” means obtaining a fee interest or any other interest in real property, including easements, leases, water, water rights, or interest in water obtained for the purposes of instream flow and development rights (CWC §79702[a]).

Revised 2024 > CDFW Proposition 1 Solicitation and Evaluation Guidelines 13 Applicants for funding of small-scale projects may submit proposals individually or work together and submit a single application for a combined project. A single eligible entity must submit the proposal and manage the project.

During the proposal review and selection process, the evaluation will be based on the merits of the entire proposal versus the merits of an individual component. Each solicitation may include specific requirements specified by CDFW. # 2.

5 Specific Funding Requirements ## Watershed Restoration Grant Program 1. These funds are available for water quality, river, and watershed protection and restoration projects of statewide importance outside of the Delta (CWC §79737[d]); 2. Funds shall not be expended to pay the costs of the design, construction, operation, mitigation, or maintenance of Delta conveyance facilities (CWC §79737[e]); 3.

Funding shall only be used for projects that will provide fisheries or ecosystem benefits or improvements that are greater than required applicable environmental mitigation measures or compliance obligations, except for any water transfers for the benefit of subsection (d) of section 3406 of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (Title 34 of Public Law 102-575) (CWC §79737[f]); 4.

Funds expended for the acquisition of a permanent dedication of water shall be in accordance with section 1707 of the Water Code, where the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) specifies that the water is in addition to water that is required for regulatory requirements as provided in subdivision (c) of section 1707 (CWC §79709[a]).

The acquisition of long-term transfers of water shall be completed in accordance with Water Code sections 1735, 1736 and 1737 (CWC §79709[b]); and 5. Funds shall not be used to acquire land via eminent domain (CWC §79711[g]). ## Delta Water Quality and Ecosystem Restoration Grant Program 1.

Funding will be available for projects that will provide fisheries or ecosystem benefits or improvements that are greater than required Revised 2024 > CDFW Proposition 1 Solicitation and Evaluation Guidelines 14 applicable environmental mitigation measures or compliance obligations (CWC §79732[b]); 2. Funds shall not be used to acquire land via eminent domain (CWC §79738[e]); 3.

Funds shall not be expended to pay the costs of the design, construction, operation, mitigation, or maintenance of Delta conveyance facilities (CWC §79738[f]); and 4.

Funds expended for the acquisition of a permanent dedication of water shall be in accordance with section 1707 of the Water Code, where the SWRCB specifies that the water is in addition to water that is required for regulatory requirements as provided in subdivision (c) of section 1707 (CWC §79709[a]).

The acquisition of long-term transfers of water shall be completed in accordance with Water Code sections 1735, 1736 and 1737 (CWC §79709[b]). # 3 GENERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Proposals submitted must be in full compliance with all stated requirements outlined in these Guidelines.

Any changes to the proposal application submission process will be posted in a timely manner on CDFW’s Restoration Applicants shall budget for all costs associated with project delivery, for example: presentations to CDFW, including travel, long term management plan development,