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 2005 Initial Recommendations
Ecosystem Restoration Program Proposal Solicitation for Projects that
Assist Farmers in Integrating Agricultural Activities with Ecosystem
Restoration
Selection Panel Initial Recommendation
The CALFED Ecosystem Restoration Program (ERP) Selection Panel has met and considered proposals received in response to its Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP) for projects that assist farmers in integrating agricultural activities with ecosystem restoration. The panel's initial recommendations are presented below.
The title, applicant, brief description and initial recommendations for each proposal are summarized below. A link to information the Selection Panelists considered to develop their recommendations - including the proposals, the Technical Panel, Regional Panel, external scientific and administrative reviews of the proposals - is also provided.
Public Comment Period:
Public comments on these initial recommendations will be accepted until 3 p.m., Friday, August 18, 2006. The Selection Panel will consider written comments from local governments and tribes on local feasibility concerns related to these applications. For example, a project that might not receive local permits or that would require General Plan or zoning amendments could face delays or other implementation barriers. The Selection
Panel will consider clarifying comments from applicants, but will not consider new information about an applicant's proposal. We are not requesting letters of support or opposition.
Written comments on the initial recommendation must be mailed or faxed (E-mails will not be accepted) to the attention of Brad Burkholder, Central Valley Bay-Delta Branch, California Department of Fish and Game, 4001 N. Wilson Way, Stockton, CA 95814-2486. Letter format is encouraged. The fax number is 877-408-9310.
Explanation of Recommendation Categories:
The Selection Panel's recommendations fall in three categories.
- Fund. Proposals recommended for funding, in whole or in part. Conditions of approval may be included to address issues raised during the proposals' review.
- Reconsider if Revised. Proposals that are high priorities and should be considered for funding if they are revised to address shortcomings identified in reviews. Revised proposals that are resubmitted for reconsideration will undergo a new round of review to examine whether the shortcomings that the Selection Panel identified have been resolved satisfactorily.
- Do Not Fund. Proposals that have serious technical deficiencies or are of lower priority to the ERP at this time. This category also includes proposals that were rated both inadequate by the Technical Panel and medium or lower by the applicable Regional Panel.
A Note on "Amount". For proposals recommended for funding, the amount shown is an upper limit recommended by the Selection Panel. For proposals with conditions or recommended for reconsideration if revised, the amount provides general guidance on a target that the panel believes should be appropriate for the revised proposal's budget. In a few cases, the panel is providing only general guidance on the topics or tasks that should be included in a revised proposal.
The Selection Panel recommends that ERP implementing agencies' staff seek greater budget detail, revised budgets, and use other mechanisms to reduce costs in all the proposals recommended for funding or reconsideration. Overhead and administrative rates, fees paid for services and consultants, particularly private contractors, and the specific tasks and deliverables from consultants, should receive particular attention and detail.
Proposals not recommended for funding. Several technically strong proposals did not clearly or specifically address the priorities of this focused solicitation, including geographical priorities. Other meritorious proposals were only tangentially linked to assisting farmers in integrating agricultural activities with ecosystem restoration. The Selection Panel suggests that these applicants seek funding for these worthwhile projects through other, more appropriate sources or mechanisms.
To view a proposal, select the proposal title.
To view the detailed reviews of a proposal, select the recommendation.
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Bioengineering Institute
Selby Creek Stream Habitat Restoration and Riparian Revegetation Project
(682k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $475,000
Duration: 36 months
Proposal seeks to continue restoration efforts based on the Selby Creek Project (watershed plan) on Selby Creek in the Napa watershed. Proposed project will: gather technical information to describe the watershed, install bioengineering structures to control erosion (stabilize stream banks), expand and re-vegetate the floodplain and create fisheries habitat. Multiple partners (RCD, Napa County Supervisors, Napa Vintners Association involved in project restoration, community outreach, and education.
Recommendation: Reconsider if Revised (97k) Adobe PDF $475,000
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Western Shasta Resource Conservation District
Farmer and Rancher Assisted Ecosystem Restoration and Watershed Stewardship Projects
(742k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $350,000
Duration: 36 months
Project seeks to conduct multiple projects on-the ground within the Cow Creek Watershed. It is anticipated that the project will improve water quality, riparian health and ecosystem restoration. The stated project objectives are to (1) improve salmonid recovery in salmon-bearing streams and (2) improve current range and wetland facilities. Public outreach activities are also proposed.
Recommendation: Fund (82k) Adobe PDF $275,000
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CSU, Chico Research Foundation
Providing Landowner Incentives to encourage Riparian Restoration and Natural River Processes on Working Landscapes
(1599k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $2,148,602
Duration: 36 months
The goal of the project is to encourage and facilitate the stewardship and restoration on agricultural lands within the Sacramento River Conservation Area. This will be accomplished through the initiation of a Coordinated Conservation Effort that provides landowners the incentives and assurances needed to incorporate habitat restoration into their agricultural activities. The key elements of this proposal are to (1) investigate and develop a regulatory assurances program to protect participating landowners for incidental take of endangered species, and (2) develop an assistance program to help landowners access incentive programs for habitat conservation.
Recommendation: Reconsider if Revised (103k) Adobe PDF $600,000
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California Land Stewardship Institute
Fish Friendly Farming Environmental Certification Program
(1373k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $1,000,243
Duration: 36 months
Proposed project would continue and expand the Fish Friendly Farming program in the Napa River watershed. The program assesses the site conditions on Napa Valley farms, develops plans for the application of BMPs (by private landowners) to improve water quality and associated salmonid habitat.
Recommendation: Fund (98k) Adobe PDF
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California Waterfowl Association
Rice-Cover Crop Rotation Pilot Program
(1250k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $1,649,051
Duration: 36 months
This project seeks to implement a 3-year pilot project to benefit ground nesting birds, giant garter snakes, and other wetland dependent species through altered crop rotations and semi-permanent wetlands.
Recommendation: Reconsider if Revised (106k) Adobe PDF $1,649,051
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Western Shasta Resource Conservation District
Cow Creek Watershed Fish Passage Barrier and Habitat Evaluation
(2133k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $472,229
Duration: 36 months
This project will locate and catalog diversions by type and identify fish passage improvement and screen opportunities for diversions in the watershed below natural barriers.
Recommendation: Do Not Fund (81k) Adobe PDF
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Placer County Resource Conservation District
American Basin Working Landcapes Project
(45745k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $1,860,898
Duration: 16 months
Proposed project will develop a GIS-based "working landscapes" model/plan for the American basin. Project will implement voluntary practices where appropriate, including easements, riparian restoration, wetland restoration, and other on-farm, and farm edge habitat restoration practices.
Recommendation: Fund (88k) Adobe PDF $100,000
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River Partners
Riparian Sanctuary (Phase II) - Bringing Agricultural and Ecological Interests Together for Pumping Plant Protection and Riparian Restoration (Sacramento River Mile 178) - Design Development and Environmental Compliance
(1486k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $660,665
Duration: 36 months
Project seeks funding for planning and design efforts to develop Second phase of multi-phase process to protect PCGID-PID's pumping plant and fish screen facility. This phase is focused on completion of environmental compliance, obtaining permits, advanced planning, and completion of construction plans.
Recommendation: Do Not Fund (118k) Adobe PDF
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The CSU, Chico Research Foundation
Creating Conservation Partnerships, Research, and Incentives to Benefit Farmers and Ecosystem Restoration in the Sacramento Valley
(698k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $5,457,960
Duration: 36 months
This project proposes research, monitoring, implementation, and regulatory compliance in order to provide up-to-date information on what conservation and agricultural practices are benefiting MSCS-covered species.
Recommendation: Do Not Fund (102k) Adobe PDF
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Tuolumne River Preservation Trust
Tuolumne River Land Protection, Riparian Restoration and Working Landscape Project
(1974k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $1,500,000
Duration: 36 months
Proposed project combines two sites, including one conservation easement and partial restoration, and one riparian restoration site. Proposal seeks to restore riparian corridor, improve channel connectivity and increase flooding frequency and incorporate a series of wildlife habitat friendly practices into on-going farming and ranching operations.
Recommendation: Fund (81k) Adobe PDF $500,000
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Resource Conservation District, East Merced
Biotechnical Streambank Stabilization, Assessment and Demonstration on the Lower Merced River
(1088k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $1,035,430
Duration: 36 months
Project seeks to investigate the feasibility of a biotechnical erosion control as an alternative to bank management. Specifically, the project will install and provide landowner education on erosion control, riparian and floodplain restoration in agricultural landscapes, and vegetated filter strips, hedgerows and other wildlife buffers.
Recommendation: Do Not Fund (86k) Adobe PDF
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University of California, Merced
Sustaining Private Seasonal Wetland Habitat Value and Function Under Ag Waiver Mandated Salt Management
(240k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $1,492,107
Duration: 36 months
This project seeks to implement real-time water quality management on two duck clubs in the Grasslands Water District.
Recommendation: Do Not Fund (92k) Adobe PDF
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Yolo Basin Foundation
Yolo Wildlife Area: An Evolving Model for Integration of Agriculture and Habitat Restoration in a Flood Control Setting
(270k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $1,231,400
Duration: 36 months
Implement a pilot project on the Yolo Wildlife Area to assess three different rice field treatments for value and use of aquatic birds and impact on rice production. The project also proposes to address mercury issues in the area as well as continue the Yolo Bypass Working Group.
Recommendation: Do Not Fund (112k) Adobe PDF
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Sonoma State University
A socio-economic and behavioral analysis of farmers' decisions to adopt or reject the CALFED conservation initiatives
(259k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $175,228
Duration: 36 months
Project proposes to evaluate farmers/ranchers attitudes towards conservation and management changes, identify and appraise constraints, and identify the most important factors in influencing farmers' long term commitments to conservation innovation.
Recommendation: Fund (145k) Adobe PDF $175,228
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United States Geological Survey
Sandhill Crane Use Of Agricultural Lands In The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Region
(287k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $493,033
Duration: 36 months
This project proposes to evaluate past Program investments in relation to their objectives to meet the needs of MSCS species such as the greater sandhill crane in order to develop recommendations to assist private farmers in contributing towards their recovery.
Recommendation: Fund (112k) Adobe PDF $493,033
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Agricultural Water Management Council
Assessment Of Water Management Actions And Water Transfers On Giant Garter Snake And Other Wetland Dependent Species
(341k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $267,685
Duration: 33 months
Project proposes to monitor, assess, and report on the efficacy of water management actions on wildlife habitat, including a focus on giant garter snake habitat impacts of water transfers. Project will develop performance measures and protocols that growers and local agencies can use to develop/improve efforts designed to provide habitat.
Recommendation: Do Not Fund (116k) Adobe PDF
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Southern Sonoma County Resource Conservation District
Petaluma River Watershed Agricultural Activities For Improving Water Quality
(861k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $1,910,954
Duration: 36 months
Project seeks to improve water and sediment quality, restore habitats (riparian and rangeland), and rehabilitate ecological processes. Objectives of the project are to assist farmers as well as policy makers in understanding and integrating BMPs through on-the-ground projects, public education and outreach, tours, and continued research to determine new BMPs that can be implemented at the ranch level.
Recommendation: Do Not Fund (84k) Adobe PDF
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University of California, Davis
Scaling up riparian restoration; generating more cost-effective protocols
(503k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $101,220
Duration: 36 months
This project proposes to restore four agricultural riparian areas and conduct an assessment of restoration techniques to develop cost-effective restoration practices and distribute to stakeholders.
Recommendation: Do Not Fund (79k) Adobe PDF
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Agricultural Water Management Council
Conservation Based Farming Practices Monitoring and Evaluation Project
(531k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $197,466
Duration: 36 months
Proposed project will develop monitoring, performance and data management tools for ERP based wildlife friendly agricultural projects in collaboration with ERP staff. The project proposes to improve the understanding of the effects of conservation-based farming practices, design technical protocols for growers, and promote the understanding of conservation-based farming practices.
Recommendation: Do Not Fund (120k) Adobe PDF
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United States Geological Survey-Western Ecological Research Center
Wintering Waterbird Response to CALFED's Environmental Water Account Program: Modeling and Monitoring to Better Integrate Agriculture and Management of Wetland Dependent Birds
(413k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $1,140,163
Duration: 36 months
Project seeks to understand how water transfers from croplands affect wetland-dependent birds (e.g., greater sandhill cranes).
Recommendation: Do Not Fund (140k) Adobe PDF
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United States Geological Survey
Evaluation Of Giant Garter Snake Response To CALFED's Environmental Water Account Program: Adaptive Management For Wildlife Friendly Farming
(305k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $1,187,367
Duration: 36 months
Evaluation of the effects of rice field fallowing on GGS in order to meet the needs for regulatory guidelines for the EWA program.
Recommendation: Fund (91k) Adobe PDF $1,187,367
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Yolo County Resource Conservation District
Yolo-Solano Conservation Partnership for Habitat on Working Lands
(1650k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $2,257,978
Duration: 36 months
Proposed project would continue to develop collaborations to address restoration permitting needs, increase technical and economic incentives for farmers to increase habitat, conduct economic assessments. Project would include riparian habitat enhancements, irrigation canal re-vegetation, farm pond habitats, and wildlife and vegetation monitoring along with studies on ecosystem services, outreach, and education.
Recommendation: Fund (88k) Adobe PDF $2,257,978
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San Joaquin County Resource Conservation District
Gauging the Benefits of Riparian Restoration/Enhancement in a Working Agricultural Landscape
(864k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $1,174,003
Duration: 36 months
Restore and enhance native riparian habitat in working agricultural landscapes in the lower Mokelumne River Watershed. Identify and work with willing producers, provide incentives, recover at risk species, reduce occurrences of NIS, and measure benefits.
Recommendation: Do Not Fund (120k) Adobe PDF
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Delta Protection Commission
Delta Working Landscapes
(530k) Adobe PDF
Amount sought: $1,274,066
Duration: 36 months
Work with local farmers to implement demonstration projects that improve habitat values while improving water quality, sediment transport, and levee stabilization. Evaluate operations of agriculture practices in the Delta that could be implemented elsewhere. Conduct an educational and outreach festival to inform the public on the values of the Delta.
Recommendation: Reconsider if Revised (100k) Adobe PDF $800,000
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