We are thrilled to be partnering with the California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) to design and implement habitat restoration strategies across the state. Through two grants representing $50 million in funding over four years (starting in March 2023), Point Blue will support critical headwaters Sierra Meadow restoration projects and community-based restoration on working landscapes across California. Point Blue is administering these funds with significant amounts redirected to partner organizations in addition to direct implementation by our own teams. WCB is a primary implementing agency for Governor Newsom’s bold goal of conserving and restoring 30% of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030, an initiative known as 30×30. We are deeply grateful to WCB for their trust in us, as well as the many partners and supporters who will be instrumental in achieving the grants’ outcomes.
Roots Program
The Roots Program delivers wildlife-friendly community-based and community-centered restoration projects on farms, ranches, and other working landscapes across California. Supported through a $26 million block grant from the California Wildlife Conservation Board, the Roots Program leverages the experience of our STRAW (Students and Teachers Restoring A Watershed) and Working Lands Partner Biologists to support applicants to develop restoration projects that support wildlife and climate resilience. Over the grant period, the Roots Program will prioritize outreach and support for projects that are otherwise hard to reach through existing conservation funding streams, with a focus on supporting underserved applicants, beginning farmers and ranchers, and tribal partners.
Sierra Meadows Partnership Block Grant
Point Blue is leading the Sierra Meadows Partnership (SMP) to leverage an existing foundation of collaboration as well as our extensive expertise in restoration, science, implementation and management, to restore 6,000 acres of meadow habitat, complete planning for an additional 4,000 acres, and identify the next 2,500 acres of priorities to begin planning. We will advance the practice of meadow restoration and management through strategic monitoring, research, coordination, and communications.
Why meadows? Current estimates indicate that there are at least 280,000 acres of meadow within the greater Sierra Nevada ecosystem. Although this area makes up a relatively small fraction of the region, meadows’ unique hydrologic and ecological functions are recognized as being vital to watershed health and are valued for the ecosystem goods and services they provide.
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