San Joaquin River Conservancy

San Joaquin River Conservancy is sponsored by Wildlife Conservation Board. The purpose of the SJRC is to create the San Joaquin River Parkway (Parkway) to preserve and enhance the river’s extraordinary biological diversity, protect its valued cultural and natural resources, and provide educational and recreational opportunities for local communities and visitors.

Activities eligible for the Program include: Property acquisition for resources conservation and public access Implementation of habitat enhancement and restoration of public or private lands All projects must be approved by both the San Joaquin River Conservancy Board and the Wildlife Conservation Board to receive a grant award.

# Wildlife Conservation Board # General Grant Guidelines > Photo Credit: Lost Coast Redwoods, Save the Redwoods League WCB General Grant Guidelines 1. 0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 1 2.

0 Funding Sources ................................................................................................................ 2 3. 0 Project Development ..........................................................................................................

4 4. 0 Budget ............................................................................................................................... 7 5.

0 Application Submission and Selection .............................................................................. 12 6. 0 Project Approval and Implementation ...............................................................................

14 7. 0 General Requirements ..................................................................................................... 16 Appendix A.

State Auditing Requirements ..................................................................................... 19 WCB General Grant Guidelines 1. 1 Purpose of Guidelines The purpose of these guidelines is to establish the process, procedures, and general requirements through which the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) will administer its allocated funds.

These guidelines are intended to streamline and establish a process for project applications across all WCB programs. As such, one uniform application process will be utilized by all applicants, including the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Land acquisition projects will no longer require Conceptual Area Protection Plans (CAPPs) and Land Acquisition Evaluations (LAEs).

All new acquisition projects will utilize the application process; however, WCB will still rely on information in existing CAPPs and LAEs when reviewing applications and making funding decisions. Projects that are located in existing CAPPs or LAEs will receive preference. No new CAPPs or LAEs should be initiated or revised after the WCB approves these guidelines.

Individual program or fund source requirements and additional application requirements (project benefits, grantee eligibility, etc.) may be required as part of a Full Application (see Section 5). The appendices include audit requirements (Appendix A). The WCB was created by statute in 1947 to conserve California’s wildlife resources and provide for suitable public recreation.

WCB funds acquisition, restoration, and public access projects throughout the State. Fish and Game Code (FGC) section 1300 et seq . , authorizes the WCB Board to acquire property on behalf of the Department of Fish and Wildlife and award grants for fish and wildlife habitat conservation, restoration, and for development of compatible public access facilities.

WCB envisions a future in which California’s wildlife, biodiversity and wild places are effectively conserved for the benefit of present and future generations. measurable objectives. All projects shall provide one or more of the following benefits, as  Protected or restored biodiversity;  Climate change action; and/or  Expanded public access to nature.

Projects should also contribute to the State’s priorities such as protecting biodiversity, increasing climate resilience, providing access for all, expanding nature-based climate solutions, and conserving 30 percent of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030 (30x30), among others.

WCB General Grant Guidelines WCB also strives to support projects with long-term durability, to fund projects that provide a benefit to disadvantaged communities, and to implement projects throughout the state including development of new partnerships.

Pursuant to Executive Order B- 10-11 and California Natural Resources Agency Tribal Consultation Policy , WCB encourages grantees to perform early, often, and meaningful consultation with Native 1.

4 Eligible Grant Applicants Unless otherwise limited by applicable funding sources or individual program guidelines, WCB has the authority under FGC section 1350(c) to award grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, local governmental agencies, federal agencies, state agencies, and California Native American tribes.

In addition, under Proposition 4, grants can also be given to a public agency, local agency, nonprofit organization, special district, joint powers authority, tribe, public utility, local publicly owned utility, or mutual water WCB receives funding from a variety of sources which are briefly described below. Applicants do not need to identify a specific fund source when preparing an application.

A full listing of funding sources and amounts are published in WCB quarterly agendas. WCB agendas are available on the WCB’s website . Once an application is submitted, WCB staff will determine the most appropriate funding source.

[Public Resources Code (PRC) section 90000 et seq. – Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024] Proposition 4 allocated just over $1 billion to WCB for specified new projects, and also included substantial funding for many of WCB’s existing programs (e.g. Stream Flow Protection, Habitat Enhancement and Restoration, Lower American River Conservancy Program, etc.).

Proposition 4 also commits significant funding to ensure that grant awards go toward defined disadvantaged communities. [PRC section 80000 et seq.

– California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access For All Act of 2018] Proposition 68 authorized the Legislature to appropriate up to $275,000,000 for projects that will result in enduring benefits and help meet the objectives of each separate allocation as identified in Proposition 68.

Proposition 68 can fund a variety of activities including land acquisition, habitat restoration, and public access projects.

Other specific activities include projects that support the Lower American River Conservancy Program, projects that support the University of California Natural Reserve System, projects to prepare Regional Conservation Investment Strategies, projects that implement Natural Community Conservation Plans, projects to preserve or restore upper watershed lands in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountains, and projects that improve fish or wildlife passage.

WCB’s Proposition 68 Guidelines include additional WCB General Grant Guidelines requirements for projects funded by this source. [Water Code (WAT) section 79700 et seq.

– Water Quality, Supply and Infrastructure Improvement Fund of 2014] Proposition 1 authorized the Legislature to appropriate $200 million to WCB to fund projects that result in enhanced stream flows (i.e., a change in the amount, timing, and/or quality of water flowing down a stream, or a portion of a stream, to benefit fish and wildlife). WCB distributes these funds on a competitive basis through the Stream Flow Enhancement Program.

WCB’s Proposition 1 Guidelines include additional requirements for projects funded by this source. [PRC section 75000 et seq.

- The Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006] Proposition 84 authorized the Legislature to appropriate $450 million to WCB in general obligation bonds to fund safe drinking water, water quality and supply, flood control, waterway and natural resource protection, water pollution and contamination control, state and local park improvements, public access to natural resources, and water conservation efforts.

[WAT section 79565 et. seq.

- The California Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach Protection Act of 2002] The passage of Proposition 50 made $140 million available for the acquisition from willing sellers of land and water resources, including the acquisition of conservation easements, to protect regional water quality, protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat, and to assist local public agencies in improving regional water supply reliability.

2. 7 Habitat Conservation Fund [Fish and Game Code (FGC) 2785 et. seq.

– The California Wildlife Protection Act of Under t he California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990 (Proposition 117), t hirty million dollars is provided annually through 2030 from existing environmental funds and the General Fund. Twenty-one million is appropriated to Wildlife Conservation Board with the remainder going to CA Coastal Conservancy, Tahoe Conservancy, and California State Parks.

Funds are used principally for acquisition of deer and mountain lion habitat, rare and endangered species habitat, as well as funding for wetlands, riparian and aquatic habitat, open space, and other environmental purposes. 2.

8 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Assembly Bill 109, which amended the Budget Act of 2017, provided $20 million to the Wildlife Conservation Board for local assistance, payable from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) for the protection and/or conservation of lands that facilitate wildlife adaptation to projected climate impacts by providing transitional habitat features such as elevation gradients and ecotones, and habitat linkages that enable wildlife WCB General Grant Guidelines movement to and from adjacent wildlife corridors and open space areas.

Senate Bill 108, which amended the Budget Act of 2024, provided $101,100,000 to the Wildlife Conservation Board for local assistance, payable from the GGRF for projects that enhance stream flow for the purposes of protecting fish and wildlife.

Senate Bill 108, which amended the Budget Act of 2024, provided $70 million to the Wildlife Conservation Board for local assistance, payable from the GGRF for the protection of California’s fish and wildlife resources in response to changing climate conditions and the highly variable habitat needs of fish and wildlife, as well as for stewardship project that restore or manage the land to improve its resilience to climate impacts and natural disasters.

Assembly Bill 1219, which amended the previous Natural Heritage Preservation Tax Credit Act of 2000 and provided an opportunity for landowners to receive a tax credit in exchange for a donation of real estate to the state, local government, or to any nonprofit qualified organization in order to provide for the protection of wildlife habitat, open space, and agricultural lands.

WCB must ensure that the amount of the tax credit issued must be reimbursed to the General Fund from funds not from the general fund. Landowners may deduct up to 55% of the fair market value of any qualified contribution, defined as a contribution of property that has been approved by the Wildlife Conservation Board.

The legislation allows the credit to be carried over for 15 years if necessary and is only available to individuals paying California state taxes, any Federal tax deductions are not included in this program.

Please consult your tax professional when considering this In certain years, the annual state budget has allocated General Funds directly to WCB for stream flow enhancement, fish passage, drought and climate change adaptation, nature-based solutions, Cascades and High Sierra upper watersheds, and other Unless otherwise specified in a formal Proposal Solicitation Notice, eligibility for WCB 3.

1 Eligible Project Types Planning grants provide funding for necessary activities that will lead to a specific future on-the-ground implementation project(s) that is likely to qualify for future implementation funding. If the application seeks funding for permitting, a complete description of the permits needed and a timeline for obtaining them must be included in the application.

Implementation grants shall fund construction of restoration and enhancement projects WCB General Grant Guidelines and/or projects that will enhance public access. They are intended to support high priority "shovel ready" projects that have advanced to the stage where planning, land tenure, and design plans have been completed.

Implementation applications must include intermediate or advanced design plans (e.g., design plans at ~65% level of development or higher). Implementation projects may include development of final design plans and permitting as project activities. Implementation projects must have completed CEQA compliance prior to consideration for funding at a Board meeting.

Acquisitions, in the form of conservation easement, water rights, and fee purchases, must be from willing sellers and at a price that does not exceed the fair market value. Fair Market value is established by an appraisal prepared by a licensed real estate appraiser and approved by the Department of General Services (DGS).

A completed appraisal, approved by DGS’ Real Property Services Section, is not required at the time of application submission. Proposed acquisitions should have basic title analysis including analysis of the legal access before WCB evaluates the opportunity. In addition, all conservation easements must conform to statutory requirements and WCB guidelines and minimum standards.

Conservation easements may also be required to contain language at the request of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) or WCB’s staff and/or voting members. Grants may be given for scientific studies or other technical analyses that advance projects. Note that some fund sources (i.e., certain bonds) require that funding be used only for capital outlay projects and so scientific studies may not be eligible.

Block grants provide a lump sum of funding to an entity which will then disburse those funds as smaller grants to other eligible entities. The purpose of block grants is to fund numerous smaller projects that collectively benefit a resource, especially since WCB does not have the staff capacity to manage numerous small grants. A block grant agreement would specify any requirements for the ultimate recipients of the funds.

In some cases, grants may be given to assist applicants with capacity building and technical support to enable entities to support the development, management and implementation of projects that support WCB’s strategic goals and objectives.

The following may be eligible for capacity-building and technical assistance: regional planning and project prioritization; grant administration/bookkeeping; project management; partnership and collaborative development; tribal engagement; public outreach and education; facilitation and dispute resolution; geographic information services; economic development/financing planning.

Note that some fund sources (i.e., certain bonds) require that funding be used only for capital outlay projects and so technical assistance may not be eligible. WCB will allocate funds to projects that provide long-term benefits and durability.

The WCB General Grant Guidelines following examples are illustrative of project types and should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of eligible project types:  Projects to promote the protection of threatened and endangered species;  Projects to implement goals and objectives of NCCPs and HCPs;  Projects to improve climate adaptation and resilience;  Projects to improve open-space corridors and trail linkages;  Projects to control and/or eradicate invasive species;  Projects to provide water for fish and wildlife or improve aquatic and riparian  Projects that provide publicly accessible hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, and other wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities;  Projects that result in Tribal ownership or co-management of conserved land;  Projects for the acquisition, development, rehabilitation, restoration, protection, and expansion of wildlife corridors and open space to improve connectivity and reduce barriers between habitat areas;  Projects to promote landscape-scale conservation;  Projects to construct, repair, modify, or remove to improve passage for wildlife  Projects to protect and improve water supply and water quality;  Projects to improve forest health, reduce wildfire danger, or mitigate the effects of wildfires on water quality and supply;  Projects to increase flood protection, and  Projects to conserve working landscapes producing food, forest products, fiber, and culturally relevant plants where wildlife benefits can also be protected, 3.

3 Funding Justification Each application submitted must provide justification for why the project was submitted and how it will support WCB’s priorities. Each application submitted must include an evaluation of how the proposed activities will result in a long-term benefit. Guidance can be found in CDFW’s State Wildlife Action Plan ( SWAP ) and Areas of Conservation Emphasis ( ACE 3.

0 ), both of which contain information on natural lands that may provide the desired An additional goal of WCB is to achieve benefits beyond the primary objective of the project. Each application should include a clear description of expected co- benefits that will result from project implementation and an approach to measure and report those co-benefits.

Co-benefits might include such things as improved water quality, habitat connectivity, flood control, creation of pollinator habitat, soil improvement, carbon sequestration, recreational opportunities, or return of ancestral land to Native American Tribes. Applications for acquisition and implementation projects shall describe plans for how the projects will be monitored and evaluated/enforced.

The scope of the application’s monitoring plan will vary depending on the nature of the project.

Applicants will work with WCB staff to adjust the monitoring actions, protocols, plans and reports, if WCB General Grant Guidelines necessary, to ensure the proposed parameters are adequate to meet reporting requirements and to assist with consistency of nomenclature, units, and All conservation easement applications shall contain a monitoring plan description and any necessary monitoring and reporting protocols.

Please reference WCB’s Minimum Standards for Monitoring Protocols . In addition, if applicable, applications must contain a detailed description of endowment funding and justifications for endowment amounts and expenditures. Potential grantees should also describe how endowment funds will be All fee title acquisition applications shall include discussion of long-term ownership and management, including management funding.

The financial vigor of the grantee will be taken into consideration when long-term landownership and stewardship is being considered. Lastly, WCB will consider the grantee’s past performance as a real property owner or manager in its decision to fund. 3.

6 Project Funding Requirements All grantees must be deemed an eligible grantee and shall be required to enter into a grant agreement with the WCB, which imposes certain conditions on the grantee and/or the landowner relative to project delivery, maintenance, monitoring, and long- term stewardship of the project improvements or land acquisition. 3.

7 Licensed Professional Engineers or Geologists Some projects may require a licensed professional engineer or licensed professional geologist to comply with the requirements of the Business and Professions Code, section 6700 et seq. (Professional Engineers Act) and section 7800 et seq. , (Geologists and Geophysicists Act).

If a project requires the services of licensed professionals, these individuals and their affiliations should be identified in the application.

Examples of projects that may be ineligible, include but are not limited to:  Projects mandated to address a violation of, or an order to comply with, a law or  Projects that fund acquisitions of land by eminent domain;  Projects that include acquisition of property above fair market value;  Operations and maintenance of existing structures, including roads;  Projects that are intended to correct problems caused by inadequate maintenance;  Projects for the purpose of regulatory compliance or mitigation.

Projects funded by bonds must be spent consistent with the General Obligation Bond Law, Government Code, section 16720 et seq. Budget tasks should be consistent with the work plan tasks and sufficiently detailed to describe project costs. Justification must be provided for costs to ensure that they are cost effective and appropriate to the work proposed.

WCB General Grant Guidelines Cost share is the portion of the project cost not funded by the awarding agency (WCB) and is provided by the applicant and/or other sources (e.g., private companies, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and/or other entities). Cost share is not required but may be beneficial, in particular to complete a larger project.

Applications with higher proportions of secured cost share contribution towards total project cost will score more points through the “Cost Share” application evaluation criterion. A list of all cost share sources must be detailed in the budget worksheets. Applications must specify the source and dollar amount of all cost share contributions of cash or in-kind services (e.g., volunteer time, materials, land donations).

In addition, all cost share must be identified as secured or proposed. Secured cost share are funds the grantee has an executed grant agreement or letter of intent to fund from the organization providing matching dollars. If volunteer time is to be used as part of the cost share, explain the type of service that will be provided, the number of hours the service will be provided, and the hourly rate associated with the service.

Cost share must be:  Used to support the proposed project;  Spent between the submission of the Full Application and the end of the grant  Secured prior to application submission in order to be considered during proposal Where applicable, cost share agreements or funding assurances will be required prior to grant execution.

Applicant must also indicate if any cost share is being used as match for other grants or entities and whether they intend to leverage other state funds as match, if awarded. For restoration and planning grants, WCB may withhold retention until all cost share is expended. Management, monitoring, endowment, broker’s fees, and donations to grantee’s costs for acquisition projects will not count towards cost share.

However, if the landowner contributes funds from the sale to the project (e.g., management funds, transaction costs, etc.), that contribution can count toward cost share. If the landowner agrees to a bargain sale, the charitable contribution (percent of the appraised value) can also count towards cost share.

WCB now allows four options for indirect cost rates within a grant: the federal de minimis rate that as of the date of this revision is 15%, a federally negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), a rate negotiated with another state agency within the last 5 years, or another rate proposed by the grantee in their grant application.

Grantees should be aware that if their proposed indirect cost rate is too high, it can make their application non-competitive when compared to grantees with lower expenses. Further, by accepting the option proposed by the grantee, WCB is not approving that rate. It is grantee’s sole obligation to ensure that its proposed rate is sufficiently justified to avoid an adverse audit finding and possible repayment.

Projects typically have three types of costs: direct, capital, and indirect. WCB General Grant Guidelines  Direct costs include all costs clearly and directly tied to a project including staff time working on the project, travel costs for work on the project, and direct materials such as supplies and equipment (purchased or rented) needed for the project.

 Capital costs include all costs required to acquire, restore/enhance, or maintain property including land, buildings, and other infrastructure. Capital costs also include purchased equipment that costs more than $10,000.

 Indirect costs are expenses that are not directly linked to a specific project such as rent, internet fees, insurance, utilities, office supplies and equipment, and  A subcontractor is defined as an organization that is hired by the WCB grantee to perform specific, limited tasks for payment, like providing services or materials.

 A subawardee (also called a subrecipient) is when another organization is collaborating on a project's programmatic goals and where WCB funds are passed through WCB’s grantee to that other organization – the subawardee. Also, if WCB provides a block grant to an organization, then the recipients of the subgrants from the block grant are subawardees of WCB’s grant.

How to Calculate Indirect Costs Indirect cost rates are determined by an organization based on their own calculations using an accounting methodology of their choice following generally accepted accounting principles. Each indirect cost methodology will specify the Cost Base, which is the specific direct costs on which an organization can charge indirect costs. For instance, some methodologies don’t include Equipment in the Cost Base.

The Cost Base is also known as the Modified Total Direct Costs (primarily by the federal government). There are many methodologies for calculating an organization’s indirect cost rate and WCB cannot direct or guide grantees as to which methodology to use. Some example methods for calculation include Fixed Cost Classification, Proportionate Allocation, and Activity-Based Cost Allocation.

The indirect cost rate is expressed as a percentage. Once the percentage rate is determined, each invoice will include indirect costs calculated by multiplying the indirect cost rate by the organization’s Cost Base costs for that period. Indirect cost rates cannot be applied to capital costs or direct costs not included in the organization’s Cost Base.

Please select one of the following indirect cost rate options. 1. Federal de minimus indirect cost rate – up to 15%  A rate up to 15% can be applied to all charges excluding equipment costing more than $10,000 and subcontractor and subaward charges after the first $50,000 per contract or subaward Subcontractor and subaward charges can apply a rate up to 15% to the first $50,000.

Any charges after reaching the first $50,000 cannot apply the indirect cost rate.  Subcontractor and subaward charges can include capital costs, such as a restoration construction subcontract.  The de minimis rate does not require documentation of the Cost Base and can apply the rate to all costs excluding those outlined above.

WCB General Grant Guidelines  The de minimis rate does not require the grantee to provide documentation to justify its use and may be used indefinitely. 2. Federal Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA)  If you have a NICRA approved by the federal government, provide the approval letter as a part of your application to WCB.

 NICRAs are usually effective for a 2-4 year period. Grantees should use their most recently approved NICRA rate.  NICRAs establish the Cost Base, rate, and applicable period for calculating  The Cost Base describes the types of costs and cost caps (e.g. rate only applied up to $50,000 of subaward costs) to which the indirect costs can be applied.

\  Allowable costs and cost caps that make up your Cost Base, as outlined in your NICRA letter, may include: o Salaries & Wages including Fringe Benefits o Salaries & Wages excluding Fringe Benefits o Salaries & Wages including Vacation, Holiday, Sick Pay, and Other Paid Absences (i.e. a subset of fringe benefits) o Services (“vendors” or “subcontractors”) o Up to the first $50,000 for each subaward (“subgrantee” or “subrecipient”) 3.

A rate negotiated with another state agency within the last 5 years  Grantees are required to indicate which state agency the rate was negotiated with, and under what circumstances. 4.

A rate proposed by the grantee in the application  Grantees are allowed to use the indirect cost rates calculated by their organization’s accounting department following a standard and consistent method for calculation, e.g. Fixed Cost Classification, Proportionate Allocation, or Activity-Based Cost Allocation  Grantees are required to maintain all documentation to justify the indirect cost rate calculation to state auditors is real and incurred costs  WCB will not approve indirect cost rates Completing the Budget Table in the Grant Application and Work Plan Applicants are required to provide indirect cost details in their full application as well as their Work Plan, if selected for funding.

Please see the budget tables included with the WCB does not pay indirect costs on any acquisition grants and is limited to DGS approved appraised value, or a portion there of. Only restoration and development grants may incur indirect costs. Indirect Costs are the non-project specific costs of doing business (e.g. rent, computers, telephones, office supplies, internet access, copy machines, electricity).

WCB General Grant Guidelines Certain types of indirect costs may NOT be charged to WCB, including food and beverage (which may be charged as direct expenses, see 4. 3 below), fundraising, lobbying, and entertainment. Any cost that is billed as a direct cost may NOT be included in indirect costs.

It is the responsibility of the grantee to keep documentation used to determine the rate and provide detailed calculations in support of the indirect cost rate . For all indirect costs claimed, grantee must keep backup documents in audit-ready files (these documents are not provided to WCB). Typical backup documents include, but are not limited to, timesheets, utility and rent bills, and similar documents.

If a grantee seeks to recover indirect costs from a WCB grant, this item should be included as a line item in the approved project budget. 4. 3 Eligible and Ineligible Costs Costs that are eligible for reimbursement are those that have been clearly indicated in the full application and are necessary for completion of the project.

Any other costs can only be reimbursed with advance written permission from the Grant Manager prior to submission of the invoice that includes the other cost(s).

Costs that are ineligible for reimbursement through an awarded grant include, but are  All costs incurred outside of the grant agreement term (i.e., prior to or after the  Travel costs not specifically identified in the grant budget, or without prior written authorization from WCB;  Out of state travel, unless identified in the full application and budget and  Appraisal, title, or escrow costs;  Endowment payments, broker’s fees, or grantee’s transaction fees;  Due diligence costs associated with environmental inspections, surveys, or hazardous material clean-ups;  Student tuition and/or registration fees;  Purchase of electronics or other equipment not specifically identified in the grant application, without prior written authorization from WCB;  Costs associated with attending conferences without prior written authorization  Food or beverages not associated with travel activities (eligible food and beverage costs must be at or below the state per diem rate, with itemized  Contributions and donations, including cash, property, and services to others, regardless of the recipient;  Fines, penalties, damages, and other settlements resulting from violations or  Costs associated with legal defense funds or endowments; and  Costs associated with fundraising.

WCB General Grant Guidelines 5. 0 Application Submission and Selection 5. 1 Application Submittal Process Applications will be submitted in two phases, a Pre-application and a Full Application.

All applicants, including CDFW, will follow this process using WCB’s Project Portal . Applications are subject to Public Records Act requests. It is strongly recommended that prospective applicants contact WCB staff for a consultation prior to submitting a Pre-application.

Applicants will first submit a Pre-application. WCB staff review Pre-applications for consistency with WCB goals, any specific program priorities, and the strength of the proposed project. In addition, WCB staff will look at all Pre-applications for geographic location, regional need, project type, readiness, threats, cost, cost share, and consultation with Native American Tribes.

WCB staff will offer applicants feedback regarding alignment with priorities, overall merit, and any ineligible costs. WCB staff will select Pre-applications to move forward and will invite the selected applicants to submit Full Applications. WCB staff are available to work with Applicants during the preparation of the Full Application, as needed.

WCB may request Applicants to revise and resubmit Full Applications, as necessary. Letters of support for a proposal should be addressed to the Wildlife Conservation Board submitted with the Full Application. Letters of support are not required from CDFW unless the project involves a property owned or to be owned by CDFW.

CDFW may provide support letters in addition to its project score sheet, at its discretion. 5. 2 Application Evaluation Process All eligible and complete Full Applications will be evaluated and scored by technical reviewers, which will include representatives from WCB, CDFW, and others as appropriate.

Full Proposal evaluation may also include a site visit. Table 1 presents a suite of review criteria that are meant to be broadly representative of the types of criteria upon which applications will be evaluated. Table 1.

Basic Review Criteria (criteria may vary) > Criteria Criteria Description > The extent to which a project provides multiple tangible benefits and the > application provides sufficient analysis and documentation to demonstrate > significance and a high likelihood that the benefits will be realized.

The extent > to which a project provides meaningful and direct benefits to vulnerable > populations or disadvantaged communities will also be evaluated.