Habitat Conservation Fund.

Senators Blakespear and Stern propose extending California's annual $30 million transfer from the General Fund to the Habitat Conservation Fund through 2035, maintaining critical funding for wildlife habitat protection across the state. The measure continues appropriations to four key conservation entities: the Department of Parks and Recreation ($4.5 million), State Coastal Conservancy ($4 million), Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy ($5 million), and California Tahoe Conservancy ($500,000), with remaining funds directed to the Wildlife Conservation Board.

The legislation preserves existing allocation requirements, including regional balance between northern and southern California projects. The Wildlife Conservation Board must direct approximately one-third of expenditures toward deer and mountain lion habitat, with two-thirds supporting other wildlife habitat and natural areas. Additional provisions ensure $6 million biennial allocations for both rare species recovery and wetlands protection.

The bill builds upon the 1990 California Wildlife Protection Act and subsequent 2019 legislation that authorized these annual transfers through 2030. By extending the funding mechanism for an additional five years, the measure aims to provide sustained support for habitat acquisition, enhancement and restoration projects across California's diverse ecosystems.