To: Board of Supervisors
From: Internal Operations Committee
Report Title: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ALLOCATIONS OF FISH AND WILDLIFE PROPAGATION FUNDS
☐Recommendation of the County Administrator ☒ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the allocation of $148,500.08 in Fish and Wildlife Propagation funds to 15 eligible projects based on the Fish and Wildlife Committee's recommendations.
2. STIPULATE that within a year of grant funding approval or within one month of project completion, whichever comes sooner, recipients must submit a final project report that includes invoices and receipts documenting how funds were spent and the results of the project.
3. AUTHORIZE the Fish and Wildlife Committee or the Conservation and Development Director or designee to approve written grantee requests for modifications to the budget allocations described in their grant applications.
FISCAL IMPACT:
As of October 19, 2025, the Fund's balance was $579,517.99. Requested funds totaled $281,662.08, with recommended allocations reducing the fund by $148,500.08.
BACKGROUND:
The Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee (FWC) reviewed 20 grant applications for the 2026 Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund, recommending full or partial funding for 15 of them. In 2010, the Board of Supervisors directed the Internal Operations Committee (IOC) to review FWC’s annual grant recommendations before the Board's final approval. On October 27, 2025, the IOC endorsed the funding recommendations. This report outlines the grant program, FWC’s review process, and the recommended grants.
I. Background
Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund
The Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund, established under California Fish and Game Code 13100, collects fines for certain fish and game violations. Most fines, ranging from $25 to $150, come from Contra Costa County Superior Courts and involve hunting, fishing, or illegal dumping offenses. Some larger fines from activities like streambed alteration, illegal species take, and water pollution also contribute to the Fund. In 2022, a $497,500 deposit was made following the Kinder Morgan pipeline spill settlement. As of October 19, 2025, the Fund's balance was $579,517.99.
FWC Grant Program
The Board has tasked the FWC with managing fine money for the protection, conservation, and preservation of fish and wildlife [Fish and Game Code 13100]. Since 1996, the FWC has used a structured process to review funding requests. The attached grant application packet includes a cover letter detailing the grant process and funding priorities, an application to gather project information, and expenditure criteria as per California law for the Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund.
Public Outreach to Advertise the Grant Program
The application packet was disseminated during the week of May 25 to the Fish and Wildlife Committee and Contra Costa Watershed Forum mailing lists, all Contra Costa County school districts, and local colleges and universities including Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College, Los Medanos College, UC Berkeley, Cal State East Bay, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Saint Mary’s College. Additionally, the CCC Office of Communications and Media issued a press release to both local and regional media outlets announcing the availability of the grant application packet. County Supervisors included the announcement in their email newsletters. The information was also posted as a newsflash on the Department of Conservation and Development website and shared via its social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, and X). Furthermore, the packet was made accessible on the Committee’s website and available upon request.
FWC Review Process for 2026 Grant Awards
The Fish and Wildlife Committee reviewed 20 grant applications totaling $281,662.08 during their August and September meetings. Several applicants attended to answer questions about their proposals.
II. Recommendation of Funding on Grants for 2025
At its September 17, 2025 meeting, the FWC recommended funding 15 projects for the year 2026, totaling $148,500.08, across the county. Detailed grant recommendations are in the attached chart, with specific votes on Pages 2-5. Voting members were Nicole Balbas, Courtney Coon, Tim Fares, Roni Gehlke, Susan Heckly, Brett Morris, Olivia Ortega, and Jamin Pursell.
Unless stated otherwise, the recommendations are for full project funding.
Grant Allocations
Boise State University
Allocate $4,245.00 for the “Assessing the demography of a threatened Golden Eagle population in California” project. This project aims to provide valuable data on golden eagle demography within the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area and assess the impact of wind turbines on these populations. The findings will support informed management decisions to enhance the conservation of golden eagles and other wildlife affected by wind turbines. Funding is recommended for laboratory supplies.
Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD)
Allocate $19,196.00 for the “Tracking Western Pond Turtle Upland Traversal with GPS Loggers” project. This project will build capacity and join the Western Pond Turtle Research Collaborative to develop management considerations for their habitats across Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The project will track upland habitat movement and dispersal of Western Pond Turtles in Contra Costa County. Funding is recommended for GPS trackers and other monitoring equipment.
Lindsay Wildlife Experience
Allocate $24,390.00 for the “Wildlife Intensive Care Unit” project. This unit will provide needed therapy for injured wildlife and increase their odds of recovery. Funding is recommended for the purchase of the intensive care unit.
Cal State East Bay, Concord Center
Allocate $7,456.92 for the “Establishing Pollinator Habitat at Cal State East Bay Concord Center” project. This project will establish native plant hedgerows and patches across approximately three acres to provide pollinator habitat. Funding is recommended for native plants and necessary tools and materials.
International Bird Rescue
Allocate $20,719.92 for the “Ethically and Effectively Resolving Human/Wildlife Interaction Issues in Contra Costa County Through Temporary Emergency Treatment and Care of Injured and Orphaned Wildlife” project. This project will enhance the welfare of injured and orphaned aquatic birds by providing rehabilitation and promoting biodiversity. Full funding is recommended for surgical and rehabilitation equipment.
John Muir Land Trust
Allocate $7,886.00 for the “Pacheco Marsh Outdoor Education” project. This project fosters environmental awareness and stewardship among youth through meaningful outdoor learning experiences. Partial funding is recommended for transportation and necessary supplies.
Save Mount Diablo
Allocate $5,680.24 for the “Tracking Kestrel Re-Population on Mount Diablo, Year 2” project. This project aims to support kestrel population recovery and evaluate potential impacts of avian influenza. Funding is recommended for research interns and necessary equipment.
KIDS for the BAY
Allocate $8,400.00 for the “Watershed Action Program” project. This project will help students learn about their local watershed and wildlife through hands-on activities. Funding is recommended for field trip transportation.
Mira Vista Field Stewardship Committee
Allocate $11,960.00 for the “Mira Vista Field Restoration Project”. This project aims to restore neighborhood serpentine grassland open space, protect native plant species and wildlife, and improve wildfire resilience. Partial funding is recommended for restoration tools and materials.
Mt. View Sanitary District
Allocate $9,461.00 for the “Moorhen Marsh & the MVSD Wetlands Education Program” project. This program provides hands-on experiences for elementary students, including exploring Marsh and learning about water treatment and pollution prevention. Partial funding is recommended for educational materials and supplies.
The Watershed Project
Allocate $12,205.00 for the “Steelhead Trout Protection Research Project”. This project will monitor water temperature and connectivity, assess fish barriers, conduct trash cleanups, and provide public education. Partial funding is recommended for assessment and monitoring equipment.
John Muir Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Allocate $5,755.00 for the “Upper Wildcat Creek Habitat and Fish Passage Barrier Study” project. This project aims to improve spawning and rearing conditions for anadromous fish species and support fish passage improvements. Funding is recommended for research equipment.
Wildcat Canyon Community School
Allocate $5,250.00 for the “Habitat Restoration and Ecological Education for Future Generations” project. This project will restore native wildlife habitat and engage students and community volunteers in environmental stewardship. Funding is recommended for native plant materials and necessary tools.
Worth a Dam
Allocate $895.00 for “The Water Guardians/Aqua Squad” project. This project teaches children about the role of beavers in maintaining healthy waterways through interactive exhibits. Funding is recommended for materials and artist supplies.
Earth Team
Allocate $5,000.00 for the “Water Quality Monitoring in Contra Costa Watersheds” project. This project will engage high school interns in research, data collection, and native vegetation work at watershed sites. Funding is recommended for water quality equipment and supplies.
Fish and Wildlife Committee Vote 8-0 (Ayes: Balbas, Coon, Fares, Gehlke, Heckly, Morris, Ortega, and Pursell; Noes: None; Abstain: None; Absent: Jennings and Pellegrini).
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Should the recommendations not be approved, Fish and Game funds will not be allocated to worthy projects that either fully fund or supplement important conservation programs.