Wildlife grants: Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement program.

Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez's wildlife access legislation proposes fundamental changes to California's Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) program, which facilitates public access to private lands for wildlife-dependent recreation. The bill modifies the Department of Fish and Wildlife's grant-making authority and removes existing caps on landowner compensation.

Under the proposed changes, the department must provide grants to nonprofit organizations, government entities, and other partners when necessary to fulfill SHARE program objectives. The legislation eliminates current compensation limits of $30 per acre or $50 per participant per day for private landowners, allowing payment rates to align with the recreational opportunities provided. The department would also gain authority to reimburse nonprofits, landowners, and other entities for program-related services.

The bill maintains core SHARE program elements, including the prohibition on General Fund usage, while preserving dedicated funding through user fees, hunting and fishing licenses, and external grants. Participating lands must be selected based on wildlife habitat value and capacity for multiple recreational activities. The legislation retains existing protections for private landowner information and requires liability waivers from program participants.