The 2025 Fisheries Restoration Grant Program's Mitigated Negative Declaration Project

The 2025 Fisheries Restoration Grant Program is a California Department of Fish and Wildlife initiative utilizing legislature-approved funds to restore salmon and steelhead trout habitats in coastal and Central Valley watersheds. The program focuses on areas degraded by mining, logging, grazing, and road construction, with a scope that includes up to 24 habitat restoration items, consisting of 18 action items and 6 non-physical items. Key activities include improving anadromous fish passage, modifying instream barriers, enhancing riparian habitats, and implementing upslope watershed restoration to reduce erosion and improve water quality. Specific projects, such as the Mainstem Buckeye Creek Instream Enhancement Project in Sonoma County, involve installing large wood structures to increase pool depth and spawning habitat. The project is governed by the California Environmental Quality Act, with a Mitigated Negative Declaration certifying that the activities will not have significant adverse environmental effects. Compliance requires adherence to strict environmental protocols, including the California Stream Habitat Restoration Manual, the Build America Buy America Act, and specific monitoring for paleontological and archaeological resources. Performance is subject to rigorous inspection by the CDFW and approved biologists, with in-water work restricted to a seasonal window between June 15 and October 31. The project timeline spans from early 2026 through March 2030, with deliverables including pre-construction surveys, implementation of structures, and post-implementation monitoring. Administrative requirements include prevailing wage compliance, mandatory insurance and bonding for construction contractors, and the procurement of landowner access agreements prior to the Notice to Proceed.