Projects will be reviewed for funding consideration after the County or City has prepared an Oak Woodlands Management Plan.

All projects must be certified by the County or City as being consistent with the locally approved Oak Woodlands Management Plan.

The Oak Woodlands Program is designed to accept applications from private landowners, local governmental entities, park and recreation districts, special districts, local resource conservation districts, nonprofit organizations and state departments.

At least 80% of the program funds shall be expended for the purchase of conservation easements, grants for land improvements or cost-sharing incentive payments.

Up to 20% of the program funds may be used for public education and outreach, assistance to develop and implement oak conservation elements in local general plans or technical assistance designed to preserve oak woodlands.

To qualify for funding consideration for a restoration, enhancement, purchase of an oak conservation easement or long-term agreement, projects must meet one or more of the specified guidelines and selection criteria and the oak stand must have greater than 10 percent canopy.

To qualify for funding consideration for a public education, outreach or technical assistance project, the project must meet specified guidelines.