Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program Public Lands Funding 2026-27

The Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program's (NBHIP) Public Land Program is designed to provide assistance to state Wildlife Areas and National Wildlife Refuges to improve the quantity and quality of upland habitat for the benefit of nesting waterfowl, game birds, and pollinators. The program aims to improve breeding waterfowl and other upland game bird habitats in California. Eligible projects include maintenance of existing perennial grass habitat, restoration and enhancement of existing perennial grass habitat, and establishment of new perennial native grass and forb habitat. • Eligible applicants include businesses, individuals, non-profits, other legal entities, public agencies, and tribal governments. • Funding can only be used on public lands managed for wildlife. • The restoration or enhancement locations must be able to provide summer water within a half mile. • While match funding is not required, projects that provide match funding will be awarded additional points in ranking and scoring.