CDFW Awards $2.5 Million for Golden Mussel Response and Boating Access Projects
Announces Availability of Additional $2 Million for Boating Access Projects
Today the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced the award of $2.5 million in grants for five projects to support public recreational boating access to state waterways. These projects will help prevent the spread of invasive golden mussels, improve public access to California’s waterways, expand recreational boating opportunities, and promote stewardship of aquatic resources.
”Supporting safe and reliable access for all boaters and anglers means investing in boating facilities as well as protecting our waterways from invasive species,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “A portion of this grant funding will directly support California’s response to limiting the spread of golden mussels as part of a larger ongoing coordinated effort.”
Looking ahead, CDFW also announced today that the Boating Access Grant Program is now accepting proposals for the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Boating Access Proposal Solicitation Notice (PDF)and has approximately $2 million to award. Proposals are due by 4 p.m. on Nov. 7, 2025, through the CDFW WebGrants Portal. Contact BoatingAccess@wildlife.ca.gov with any questions.
CDFW will hold an online Public Workshop (PDF) on Oct. 2, 2025, at 10 a.m., to provide an overview of the Boating Access Program, including eligible activities, program requirements, and granting process. Workshop attendance is not a requirement for submitting a proposal.
Below is a list of awarded projects which will soon begin work supported by CDFW Boating Access Grant Program funds. The Boating Access projects are supported with federal funding from the Sport Fish Restoration Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which provides funds to state fish and wildlife agencies for fishery projects, boating access, and aquatic education.
Invasive Golden Mussel Program
($1.3 million to CDFW)
After the discovery of the invasive golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in Oct. 2024, CDFW responded with approximately $1.3 million in Sport Fish Restoration/Boating Access grant funding to support the program and projects that prevent the spread of invasive mussels in California waters. Funds will support the purchase of decontamination units, high-pressure wash stations, improvements to boat ramps and wash stations, and hands-on training for facility staff in boat inspection and decontamination procedures. More information can be found on CDFW’s golden mussel page.
Other Boating Access Project Highlights
Alviso Marina County Park Boat Ramp Replacement
($226,000 to county of Santa Clara, Parks and Recreation Department)
“The County of Santa Clara deeply values its long-term partnership with CDFW,” said Todd Lofgren, Director of Santa Clara County Parks Department. “Alviso Marina County Park is well-loved by boaters, as it provides one of the few clear routes through the salt marshes out to the open waters of San Francisco Bay, and the repair and replacement of the launch and dock is a community need that the Department is excited to deliver on with CDFW’s support.” The project will repair the boat launch ramp, the replacement of existing wooden planks on three public access boardwalks, and improvements to the facility parking lot.
Copco Valley Public Access and Recreational Boating Facility for a Renewed Klamath River
($582,915 to Klamath River Renewal Corporation)
As the Klamath River recovers and flows change following the dam removal in 2024, there are new recreational opportunities and increased public interest in the area. To meet capacity and safety needs, the construction of the Copco Valley recreation site will be a critical access point on the Klamath River for boating, fishing, and other uses. The project will not only support recreation and public interest opportunities but further allow the public to see first-hand the positive impacts of dam removal on conservation, wildlife, and the local communities and economies.
Arena Cove Boating Access Project
($224,000 to City of Point Arena)
This project will enhance boating access from Arena Cove, which is a major point of entry for many residents of Mendocino and Sonoma counties. Project activities will include the replacement of the aging boat launch hoist, boarding float and gangway, all of which are essential components of boating access from Arena Cove. The urgent facility repairs address site safety, negative environmental impacts of old equipment and ensure continued boating access in the future.
Santa Ana Launch Ramp Slurry/Crack-fill FY25/26
($223,000 to Casitas Municipal Water District)
This project will support vital maintenance of the Lake Casitas Santa Ana Boat Launch Facility in Ventura County and encourage public use of the lake for boating and recreation. Refurbishment of the existing parking lot will allow continued public use of the boat launch facility, which is currently largely unused due to deferred maintenance.
Background
In late 2023 CDFW announced availability of funding for the Boating Access Grant Program. The Sport Fish Restoration Act (SFRA) created the Sport Fish Restoration Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Program provides funds to state fish and wildlife agencies for fishery projects, boating access, and aquatic education. The funding for this grant program comes through revenue from manufacturers’ excise taxes on sport fishing equipment, import duties on fishing tackle and pleasure boats, and a portion of gasoline fuel tax attributable to small engines and motorboats. The Boating Access sub-program of the Sport Fish Restoration Grant program provides federal funds for facilities that create or add to public access for recreational boating and improvements to waterways that increase access to recreational boating opportunities.
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