The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) carries out a program which includes the development of facilities in cooperation with local agencies for public access to hunting, fishing or other wildlife-oriented recreation.

Financial assistance is available to cities, counties and public districts or corporations for development such as fishing piers or floats, access roads, boat launching ramps, trails, boardwalks, interpretive facilities and lake or stream improvements. Support facilities such as restrooms and parking areas are also eligible for funding under this program.

Except for piers which require 50 percent matching local funds, the WCB may fund 100 percent of the qualifying project development costs. A portion of the State's income from horse-racing parimutuels, the Wildlife Restoration Fund, provides the basic revenues to sustain this program, augmented to some extent by Federal Sport Fish Restoration Act Funds. The WCB also shares in other state and federal fund sources from time to time as authorized for specific purposes or programs.

Under the Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947, it is required that the State have a proprietary interest in the land or water on which the improvements are made. Prior to approval of a project by the WCB, a lease agreement is entered into between the local agency and the State. The term of the lease is generally 25 years.

All operation and maintenance responsibilities for such projects must be assumed by the local agency, and these provisions are often combined with the lease in a single cooperative agreement.

Engineering, costs estimates and contract administration are the responsibility of the local agency. Project construction and payment to the local agency for project costs is carried out by Standard Agreement between the local agency and the State.

The WCB also acquires lands for preservation of wildlife habitat and occasionally provides funding for the Department of Fish and Game installations and equipment. Such projects are normally administered and managed by the Department, but may include local management where special conditions exist.

The WCB normally meets every three months for the purpose of considering proposals for acquisition or development as presented by staff. Meetings are open to the public and public notice is given of each meeting. Testimony about proposed projects is received and considered by the Board. For more information on the Wildlife Conservation Board, write or call:

Wildlife Conservation Board
1807 13th Street,  Suite 103,
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 445-8448
Fax (916) 323-0280

Application Form   (PDF)

Application Form   (Word)