Conservation

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Application Period Now Open for Winter Flooding Programs in Rice

Application Period Now Open for Winter Flooding Programs in Rice

The California Ricelands Waterbird Foundation is now accepting applications for two winter flooding programs: California Winter Rice Habitat Incentive Program (CWRHIP) and Fish Food. Applications are submitted through the Foundation website and will be accepted through Sunday, September 10, 2023. 

Key Details for CWRHIP:

  • Payment rates are variable based on location: $20/acre on East side of Valley and $40/acre on West side of the Valley 
  • Fields must have been planted to rice in 2023
  • Commitments: Flood and Maintenance for 70 continuous days, sometime between October and March
  • Flooding Depth: 1-12 inches throughout contract period

Key Details for Fish Food Program:

  • Payment rates are based on the bids received and selected
  • Minimum flood duration: 3 weeks
  • Target water depth: 10 inches 
  • Multiple flood and drain cycles possible
  • Concurrent enrollment with CWRHIP or EQIP/RCPP is allowed

If you have any questions about the program or would just like to learn more, please visit the Foundation website or contact Kristin Sesser, Wildlife Programs Manager with the California Rice Commission at (916) 607-8988 or ksesser@calrice.org.  

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New Fish Food Program Applications Open Now
Conservation •

New Fish Food Program Applications Open Now

Reclamation District 108 (RD108) and California Trout are soliciting applications for the Fish Food Program, which pays rice farmers and wetland managers to flood their fields for a few weeks and drain the water (full of food) to fish-bearing waterways to benefit out migrating salmon while providing wintering and migratory bird habitat. Landowners do not have to be in RD 108 to apply.

Application deadline is September 10, 2023.

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