California Waterfowl has a new Rice Levee Pilot Program that will pay farmers to provide waterfowl nesting habitat on levees/checks during spring and summer. This program is currently accepting applications and will be using a bid system. 

For this program, rice levees/checks must be reconstructed before January 1st and left undisturbed until July 15th. Fields that will be fallowed in 2023 may also be eligible, if they provide suitable nesting and brood habitat. Fallowed fields must be located adjacent to planted rice fields or wetlands that will be flooded through August 15th. Enrolled fields will be regularly monitoring for nesting activity from April 1st to July 15th.

To apply use this online application: CWA Rice Levee Program

For questions, please contact Jason Coslovich at 408-644-3525 or coslovich@calwaterfowl.org.