INTERNAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: October 19, 2026
Subject: Grant Funding Recommendations from the Contra Costa County Fish and
Wildlife Committee
Submitted For: Daniel Pellegrini, Chair, Fish and Wildlife Committee via DCD
Department: Conservation and Development (DCD)
Referral No: IOC 26/4
Referral Name: Allocation of Fish and Wildlife Propagation Funds
Presenter: Maureen Parkes, Conservation and Development Department
Contact: maureen.parkes@dcd.cccounty.us
Referral History:
Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund
The Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund was created under California Fish and Game Code 13100 to collect fines from violations related to fish and game. Typical fines range from $25 to $150, stemming from hunting, fishing without a license, and illegal dumping, processed by Contra Costa County's four Superior Courts. Larger fines from more serious violations like streambed alteration and pollution are also added to the Fund. In 2022, a settlement involving a Kinder Morgan oil spill contributed $497,500. Excluding these settlement proceeds, regular deposits totaled $131,634 over the past five years, averaging $26,327 annually. As of October 12, 2026, the Fund's balance stood at $453,425.88.
FWC Grant Program
The Board has tasked the Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee (FWC) with managing the use of fine money for the protection and conservation of fish and wildlife [Fish and Game Code 13100]. Since 1996, the FWC has reviewed funding requests through a structured process. They created a grant application packet (attached) that includes a cover letter explaining the grant process and funding priorities, an application form, and the expenditure criteria set by California law for the Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund.
In 2010, the Board of Supervisors instructed the Internal Operations Committee to preliminarily review annual FWC grant recommendations before the Board’s own review.
Referral Update:
FWC Review Process for 2027 Grant Awards
The Fish and Wildlife Committee reviewed 16 grant applications totaling $156,904.19 in August and September. Applicants attended to answer questions.
The attached report by the Department of Conservation and Development details FWC's recommendations for full or partial funding of 11 projects totaling $81,374.59. The grant application packet and a summary chart of applications and recommendations are also included.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
CONSIDER allocating $81,374.59 in Fish and Wildlife Propagation funds to 11 eligible projects based on the Fish and Wildlife Committee's recommendations and forwarding these recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
As of October 12, 2026, the Fund's balance was $453,425.88. Requested funds totaled $156,904.19, with recommended allocations reducing the fund by $81,374.59.
Attachments:
• DCD Report on behalf of the Fish and Wildlife Committee
• Grant application packet for Fish and Wildlife Propagation Funds
• Chart summarizing the applications and recommendations