The California Natural Resources Agency is proud to announce the establishment of the new Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Program. This Program was developed in response to the consultations and input received from California Native American tribes during the tribal consultations on Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-82-20 (Nature-Based Solutions Executive Order), the Pathways to 30x30 Strategy, and Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy. In the Executive Order and both Strategies, the California Natural Resources Agency has committed to working towards meaningful partnerships with California Native American tribes in the implementation of our nature-based solutions policies and programs. The new Tribal Nature-Based Solutions program and grant funds are part of that commitment and will be available to assist California Native American tribes in advancing multi-benefit nature-based solutions priorities for their communities.
Draft Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Grant Guidelines
On February 3, 2023, the California Natural Resources Agency has released draft grant guidelines for the new Tribal Nature-Based Solutions grant program for tribal consultation and public comment. Pursuant to Chapter 249, statutes of 2022 (Assembly Bill 179), the California Legislature appropriated $70 million to the California Natural Resources Agency for competitive grants for Native American tribes located within the state of California. These funds are available for encumbrance or expenditure until June 30, 2027. This new program and grant funds will assist California Native American tribes in advancing multi-benefit nature-based solutions consistent with the 2021 Nature-Based Solutions trailer bill, Chapter 258 of the Statutes of 2021, the Pathways to 30x30 Strategy, and the Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy.
We respectfully request tribal consultations and written public comments be held and sent by May 5, 2023. Requests for consultations and written comments can be sent via email to tribalaffairs@resources.ca.gov with the subject line “Tribal Nature-Based Solutions.”
Given delayed mailing times, email submission is preferred for written comments, but you may also submit consultation responses and public comment via mail to:
California Natural Resources Agency
ATTN: Geneva E. B. Thompson, Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs
715 P Street, 20th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
To learn more about the new Tribal Nature-Based Solutions logo, please read our blog post explaining the importance of protecting and respecting culturally important native species.
Draft Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Grant Program Materials and Resources
- Summary Resources
- Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Draft Grant Guideline Summary
- 30x30 Overview and Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Project Examples
- Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy Overview and Priorities
- Ocean Protection Council’s Tribal Engagement Strategy
- Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Draft Grant Guidelines Frequently Asked Questions
- Additional Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Program Materials
Please join the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) for public listening sessions on the draft grant guidelines for the new Tribal Nature Based Solutions program . This new program has been designed to support California Native American tribes’ multi-benefit nature-based solutions projects, including, but not limited to, ancestral land return, restoration projects, and climate resiliency planning. We welcome public comments on the draft grant program and invite members of the public to join either session listed below to share comments and questions about the new program. CNRA is currently consulting with California Native American tribes and has been in touch with tribal leaders.
CNRA is also accepting written comments, which can be sent to tribalaffairs@resources.ca.gov by May 5, 2023.
Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Public Listening Session 1
Date: March 20, 2023
Time: 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Register Here: https://ca-water-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ypjSJge2SdaB1WoDfOnz3w
Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Public Listening Session 2
Date: March 20, 2023
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Register Here: https://ca-water-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hAelyDNLTCu_DHn_D8FWbw
