CA AB2839

Establishes the California Deserts Conservancy as a state agency within the Natural Resources Agency to undertake conservation activities in the nearly 25 million acre California deserts region spanning eight counties (Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego).

Creates a 13-member voting board of directors comprising state agency heads, three public appointees representing statewide interests, and eight county representatives from the five desert subregions, plus up to three nonvoting federal agency representatives.

Authorizes the conservancy to make grants and loans to local public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and tribal organizations for land acquisition, wildlife corridor preservation, recreational facility improvements, invasive species control, and climate resilience projects.

Requires the conservancy to adopt guidelines setting priorities and criteria for projects and programs throughout the region, with functions including protecting natural and cultural resources, reducing wildfire risk, and supporting economic well-being alongside environmental preservation.

Creates the California Deserts Conservancy Fund within the State Treasury to hold appropriated moneys for implementing the conservancy's purposes and programs.