California Invests $87 Million in Salmon, Steelhead, and River Restoration

California is making one of its largest recent investments in river restoration and fish recovery, approving $87 million in grants for projects across 14 counties. A major share of the funding will support efforts to rebuild endangered salmon and steelhead populations in the Central Valley and Northern California.

Among the funded work:

Battle Creek Restoration – Tehama County

A $15 million grant to River Partners will protect 1,715 acres along Battle Creek, improving spawning and rearing habitat for threatened salmon and steelhead. An additional $584,999 will retire water rights on the property, boosting streamflow during critical migration periods.

Screened Diversion – Sutter County

Another $15 million will help replace two unscreened Sacramento River water diversions with a single modern, fish-safe intake. The project eliminates one of the river’s last major hazards for juvenile salmon.

Feather River Floodplain Reconnection – Butte County

A $31.9 million grant will restore one mile of the Feather River and reconnect 51 acres of historic floodplain, expanding habitat and improving survival for salmon and steelhead.

These projects support California’s statewide salmon strategy, which focuses on restoring river connectivity, increasing streamflow, and rebuilding habitat threatened by drought and rising temperatures.

State wildlife leaders say the investments demonstrate a coordinated push to revitalize struggling fish populations and restore river systems that benefit both wildlife and people.