Fish and Wildlife providing $200 million for muti-benefit projects
Draft guidelines released for land repurposing program
Public comments are being accepted on the draft guidelines for Round 2 of the Department of Conservation’s Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program. The program funds groundwater sustainability projects that reduce groundwater use, repurpose irrigated agricultural land, and provide wildlife habitat. An online workshop to discuss the draft guidelines is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 13. The comment deadline is Friday, Dec. 30.
Grants available for California beach and shoreline projects
Grant applications for projects that control shoreline erosion and restore public beaches are being accepted by the California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways. Generally, agencies use shoreline erosion control grants to protect public infrastructure from wave erosion. Public beach restoration grants are used to strategically place sand on eroded beaches. Applicants are urged to watch an online video with instructions on submitting proposals.
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Applications being accepted for marine protected area grants
Grant applications are being accepted for outreach and education projects that increase engagement of California’s marine protected areas. As much as $100,000 is available for efforts that target fishing communities, underserved communities, and Tribal organizations. The Ocean Protection Council has funded Coastal Quest to administer the grants.
Robotic DNA samplers being developed to protect waterways
The U.S. Geological Survey is teaming up with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute to develop robotic DNA samplers that can monitor rivers and streams for living threats. The samplers would be used to detect the DNA of any invasive species, pathogens, and parasites that can damage aquatic systems. Wireless connectivity will be used so that researchers can control the sampling remotely. The project is being funded with investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
NASA ready to launch water-monitoring SWOT satellite
On Monday, Dec. 12, NASA is scheduled to launch a satellite that will survey water on more than 90 percent of the Earth’s surface. The Surface Water and Ocean Topology (SWOT) satellite will measure the height of water bodies, generating data that will provide insights into how the ocean influences climate change. SWOT is equipped with the ability to collect data on ocean features less than 60 miles across, offering researchers images in unprecedented clarity. The information will also be used to improve flood forecasts, providing vital information to water management agencies.
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