The mission of CDFW is to manage California’s diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.
The Cannabis Restoration Grant Program aims to provide funding in support of efforts to clean-up, remediate, and restore watersheds affected by cannabis cultivation and related activities. Initially directed by Assembly Bill 243 in 2017, the program targets areas in coastal Northern California, focusing on removing refuse and infrastructure, replanting efforts, and restoring watersheds like the upper Eel River. The program seeks partnerships for these environmental restoration activities, drawing from the Environmental Restoration and Protection Account, with an emphasis on addressing the damages from illicit cannabis cultivation practices such as unlawful water diversions, land conversion, poaching, and the use of prohibited substances.