While the Oak Woodlands Conservation Program promotes conservation of privately owned oak woodlands, the easement acquisition portion of the Program is not designed to accept applications directly from private landowners.  As such, landowners interested in participating in the Oak Woodlands Conservation Program must coordinate the preparation of the application package with an eligible participant.

The WCB encourages projects to be developed with partners attempting to address regional landscape issues and oak preservation needs.  A partnership approach brings to the project a diversity of skills, expertise, ideas and sometimes-even money that may not otherwise be available to complete a desired project.

While applications are accepted on a year-round basis, the WCB generally meets four times a year.  Typically, Board meetings are held in February, May, August and November.  All applications that comply with the program requirements and meet program eligibility criteria will be scheduled for Board consideration if sufficient money exists to fund the request.  Applicants will be notified as to when the project will be considered by the Board.  The Board must approve any project to be funded.

All applications should be mailed to the following:

Executive Director, Wildlife Conservation Board
1807 13^th Street, Suite 103
Sacramento, California 95811

Applicants are encouraged to call (916) 445-8448, with any questions prior to completing an application package.  Additional information regarding the program or the Board may be obtained by visiting the Board's website located at www.wcb.ca.gov.

To qualify for funding consideration, a complete application package must be submitted (see Appendix B).  To facilitate the review of the proposal, applicants are encouraged to consult with the local Fish and Game biologist or other resource professionals while developing the project.  Soliciting the comments from local biologist will also facilitate the review process, as a copy of the application package will be forwarded to the Regional Manager for review and comment.

Applicants are required to submit three copies of the application package to WCB.  In addition, one copy of the required county or city resolution or Oak Woodlands Management Plan must be submitted with the application.

If a project proposal is submitted requesting funds for the purchase of a conservation easement or long-term lease agreement, the fair market value of the project must be determined by an appraisal of the property.  All appraisals must be conducted by a state licensed, independent appraiser and must be prepared in conformance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices (USPAP).

If the application is complete and the program requirements and criteria are met, the WCB staff will notify the applicant to have the property appraised.  Once WCB receives two copies of the appraisal document, WCB staff will submit the appraisal to the State Department of General Services for an independent review and approval of the appraisal document.  ALL APPRAISALS MUST BE REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES.

If the appraisal is approved by the State Department of General Services, applicants will be notified of the approved fair market value of the property and the necessary real estate documents will be prepared by Board staff in preparation for the full Board meeting.  If the appraisal is denied, applicants will be notified and provided with an explanation as to why the appraisal was denied.

Applicants are cautioned, that appraisals must be approved prior to taking the project to the full Board for consideration.  As such, project applications must be submitted at least four months in advance of a scheduled Board meeting to allow sufficient review time by Board staff and the State Department of General Services.

For all projects eligible for consideration by the Board, landowners adjacent to the project site must be notified of the pending Board's review.  Project applicants must submit a list of names and mailing address of all adjacent landowners.

1. A project applicant submits three copies of a complete application package and one copy of the Oak Woodlands Management Plan Resolution to WCB.
2. One copy of the application package will be forwarded to the Regional Manager of the California Department of Fish and Game for review and comment.
3. WCB staff will review the proposal for compliance with program requirements and criteria and decide if a proposal should be recommended to the Board for funding consideration.
4. Prior to presenting a proposed project to the WCB for final approval, grant agreements and/or appropriate real estate documents will be prepared and forwarded to the applicant for signature.
5. The applicant must return all signed agreements prior to the scheduled Board meeting.
6. WCB staff will present recommended project proposals to the Board for funding consideration.  Project applicants are encouraged to attend the Board meeting.
7. If the Board approves the project, the applicant will be provided with a Notice to Proceed with the Project.
8. For restoration and enhancement projects, WCB staff may conduct a preconstruction meeting with the project sponsor, landowner and any contractors.
9. WCB, in consultation with the landowners, may conduct periodic progress inspections.
10. All invoices must be submitted to WCB for approval of payment.
11. After completion of the project, WCB will conduct a final inspection.
12. Upon WCB completion of final inspection, an applicant must submit a request for final grant payment, along with a project completion report.
13. The State may conduct an audit of the completed project.
14. WCB, in consultation with the landowner, may monitor the project for the term of the agreement or lease.