River Parkways Grant Program Prop 68 Funding Opportunity

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Sierra Nevada Conservancy

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES ALERT

Proposition 68 Opportunity

 

The River Parkways grant program has been refunded with Proposition 68 dollars. Concept proposals for this first round of funding will be due September 27, 2018. Technical Assistance Workshops are scheduled for August 14 (Sacramento or webcast) and August 16 (Azusa).

The purpose of this program is to support the acquisition, restoration, protection, and development of river parkways. River Parkways are defined as outdoor areas adjacent to a river or stream, set apart to conserve scenic, natural, open space or recreational values to afford public access to open space, low impact recreational activities, and/or wildlife habitat. Projects must involve natural creeks, streams, and/or rivers, even if they flow only during the rainy season, or channelized or culverted creeks, streams, and/or rivers. Projects must provide public access or be a component of a larger parkway plan that provides public access. There is no minimum or maximum grant amount and no match required, though projects that leverage funding are more competitive.

Eligible projects include:

  • Creation or expansion of trails for walking, bicycling, and/or equestrian activities that are compatible with other conservation objectives
  • Improvement of existing river parkways by providing amenities such as picnic and rest areas or shade ramadas
  • Conversion of channelized streams or rivers to a more historical flow pattern that will promote the structure, function, and dynamics of riparian and riverine habitat
  • Acquisition of land that will be managed to increase the size and quality of existing riparian habitat
  • Expansion of existing river parkway by acquiring adjacent lands to accommodate periodic flooding
  • Restoration of land to natural floodplain forms, including wetland areas that will accommodate periodic flooding
  • Conversion of riverfront land from industrial use into public multiuse areas, such as floodplains, wetlands, public trails, etc.
  • Revitalization of urban neighborhoods by removing abandoned structures along the riverfront to provide open space river access for the public
  • Construction of an overlook area for a restored wetland with interpretive signage, where the public can observe the project benefits
  • Construction of a boardwalk adjacent to sensitive habitat to allow public viewing without disturbing flora or fauna