The california department of fish and wildlife (cdfw) is offering $1 million in grant funding for operators of boating facilities to enhance preparedness and response efforts against invasive mussels,…

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) received a $1.0 million formula grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605) effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. This grant funds invasive mussel prevention and response infrastructure at boating facilities throughout California, with particular emphasis on preventing the spread of golden mussels (Limnoperna fortunei) in lakes, reservoirs, and waterways. The funding supports projects that enhance preparedness and response capabilities while maintaining recreational boating access and ensuring the long-term health of California's aquatic ecosystems.

The prime recipient, CDFW, distributed sub-awards to nine sub-grantees managing public boating facilities and water resources across California to implement specific prevention and containment measures. Projects include: procurement of mobile and stationary watercraft decontamination units with wash pads and inspection equipment (Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Merced Irrigation District, Nevada Irrigation District, and Tri-Dam Project); installation of decontamination dip tanks and secure launch facilities with bollards and fencing (Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District, Monterey County Water Resources Agency); vessel inspection programs with trained personnel and detection canines (Monterey County Water Resources Agency); staff training in inspection and decontamination procedures (County of Stanislaus); and procurement of supplies and equipment for prevention activities (California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Water Resources, and Trinity County Resource Conservation District). These coordinated efforts across multiple water bodies create a comprehensive regional containment strategy to prevent introduction and spread of invasive mussels to downstream waterways and infrastructure.

The california department of fish and wildlife (cdfw) is offering $1 million in grant funding for operators of boating facilities to enhance preparedness and response efforts against invasive mussels, particularly the growing threat of golden mussels in (limnoperna fortunei) california. This funding supports projects that help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive mussels in lakes, reservoirs, and waterways, ensuring the long-term health of californias waterways while maintaining and facilitating recreational boating access.