Celebrating Two Years of Climate-Smart Meadow Restoration

March 15, 2025

Two years ago, in 2023, we at Point Blue Conservation Science (Point Blue) embarked on an ambitious journey to restore critical headwater meadows across the Sierra Nevada and southern Cascades of California. With $24.7 million in funding from the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB), this initiative has already made substantial progress in revitalizing these critical ecosystems, benefiting biodiversity, water resources, culture, and climate resilience. As we celebrate two years of accomplishments, we reflect on the impact of the Climate-Smart Meadow Restoration Program and look forward to the continued success of this state-wide, collaborative effort.

A Vision for Meadow Restoration

In a healthy, well-functioning meadow water should slow and spread like this. Photo courtesy of Mountain Meadows restoration partners.

As a leader within the Sierra Meadows Partnership (SMP), we have leveraged existing collaborations and extensive expertise in restoration science, implementation, and management to maximize the effectiveness of this initiative. The overall goal is to restore 6,000 acres of meadow habitat, plan for an additional 4,000 acres, and identify 2,500 acres of priority meadows for future restoration. Also, we are investing in project monitoring and science to inform improved approaches to meadow restoration and stewardship ensuring that every project contributes to long-term ecosystem health.

Advancing Tribal Engagement

A key focus of this program is fostering meaningful partnerships with indigenous groups to ensure their priorities and perspectives shape the future of meadow restoration. Over the past two years, the SMP Management Board has actively engaged twenty indigenous groups through the block grant, approving eight indigenous-led projects and supporting an additional fourteen projects with funding for indigenous groups. These efforts have resulted in approximately $2.3 million in SMP Grant Program funds being committed to indigenous communities.

Beyond financial support, Point Blue has taken steps to ensure active tribal participation in restoration planning and decision-making. Scholarships were provided to indigenous attendees for the 2024 SMP Annual Gathering, creating a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration. Moving forward, additional funds allocated for indigenous-led projects will be distributed, and efforts to incorporate indigenous priorities into the SMP’s long-term strategy will continue.

Milestones and Achievements

Point Blue STRAW staff leading a Mountain Meadow restoration day with students. Credit: Jessica Compton.

The past two years have seen remarkable progress. Since 2023, 51 projects have been initiated through the program, spanning from the Modoc Plateau in the north to the Kern River in the south. This widespread impact underscores the success of the WCB funded SMP Grant Program in channeling resources into the Sierra Nevada and its restoration community.

Including subcontractors, more than 60 entities are involved in these projects, with 24 lead proponents spearheading various initiatives. This broad participation highlights the collaborative spirit driving this effort and demonstrates the value of strategic partnerships in achieving large-scale conservation goals.

Let’s Do the Numbers: Funding Allocation and Project Selection

Of the $24.7 million awarded by WCB, $20.2 million was allocated for regranting through the SMP Grant Program. During 2023 and 2024, eight project selection cycles were completed, with the SMP Management Board reviewing over seventy project applications requesting a total of $28.5 million. Forty-six projects have been selected for funding, totaling nearly $16.8 million, including eight indigenous-led projects. Additionally, $4.5 million was allocated for Point Blue to manage the block grant and lead restoration planning, implementation, and technical assistance projects.

A breakdown of the funded projects is as follows:

17 meadow restoration implementation projects ($9.3 million awarded)
19 meadow restoration planning projects ($5.62 million awarded)
15 technical assistance projects ($2.9 million awarded)

These projects span public and private lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), multiple private entities, tribes, and other indigenous groups. Collectively, these initiatives will restore 4,019 acres of critical meadow habitat, with an additional 3,420 acres becoming shovel-ready for future implementation.

Looking Ahead

Susan Mortenson of Wildscape Engineering measuring pond depth at Windy Springs Meadow for a supported planning project. Credit: Jon Christensen

As Point Blue and the SMP Management Board move forward, the focus remains on supporting existing projects, allocating remaining grant funds through the SMP proposal solicitation process, and continuing to foster collaboration within the restoration community. Regular bimonthly meetings, annual gatherings, and information-sharing efforts will ensure that momentum is maintained and new opportunities for restoration continue to emerge.
With more projects planned for 2025 and beyond, the Climate-Smart Meadow Restoration Program stands as a testament to the power of collaborative conservation. By working together, we are not only restoring meadows but also safeguarding water resources, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering climate resilience for generations to come.

Point Blue extends its deepest gratitude to WCB staff for their unwavering support and to all partners who have contributed to this transformative initiative. As we celebrate two years of success, we look forward to many more years of progress in restoring and protecting the precious meadows of the Sierra Nevada and southern Cascades. Learn more and explore our StoryMap here.

Science for a Blue Planet