BirdReturns

The BirdReturns program funds several successful and established habitat incentive programs including the Spring Wetlands, Semi-Permanent and Permanent Wetlands, Farmlands, Fall Wetlands, Winter Habitat and Tricolored Blackbird Colony Protection Programs. In partnership with the Migratory Bird Conservation Partnership, which includes the non-governmental agencies, The Nature Conservancy, Point Blue Conservation Science, and Audubon California, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife will oversee the administration of funds and implementation of the programs. These programs provide high-value habitat for migratory and resident waterbirds during specific windows of their annual cycle by incentivizing private landowners (private wetland owners and agricultural producers) to manage water to meet waterbirds specific needs. Not only do these practices provide waterbird habitat, but they are also beneficial for landowners and improve California’s climate resiliency by recharging groundwater, allowing flexibility during drought scenarios, reducing flood risk, controlling weeds, improving wetland habitat, and improving recreation benefits for rural communities.