CA AB1311

Appropriates $400 million from Proposition 4 bond funds to the Wildlife Conservation Board for grants to acquire conservation easements on privately owned rangeland, grazing land, and grasslands

Grants can cover up to 100% of appraised conservation easement value plus up to $75,000 for processing expenses, with funds distributed across nine geographic regions of California

Requires the board to disburse 75% of funds by June 30, 2027 and the remaining 25% by June 30, 2028, with grantees required to acquire and record easements by June 30, 2029

Eligible entities must be accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, demonstrate capacity to acquire easements within 18 months, and show financial ability to meet perpetual stewardship monitoring requirements

Supports California's 30x30 conservation goal by protecting working rangelands that provide wildfire fuel reduction, groundwater recharge, wildlife habitat, and food and fiber production