CA SB1224

Wildlife Conservation Board authorized to provide grants for acquiring fee title, conservation easements, or performing restoration in watersheds with sensitive wildlife habitats in southern Orange County and northern San Diego County east of Interstate 5.

Grants may fund any combination of land acquisition, easement purchases, and restoration work in eligible watersheds.

San Mateo Creek Watershed designated as highest priority for grant funding, a 139 square mile watershed supporting 11 endangered and threatened species including southern steelhead trout, Pacific pocket mouse, and tidewater goby.

Legislative findings establish that the region's intact habitats from sea to mountaintop elevations provide climate resilience and support healthy beaches and recreational opportunities for Californians.

Bill requires future legislative appropriation to fund the grant program and declares a special statute necessary due to the unique characteristics of Orange and San Diego County watersheds.