The California Ricelands Waterbird Foundation (Foundation) is happy to announce a collaboration between Bid4Birds and BirdReturns. We will work together, with funding from the Foundation and the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, to incentivize habitat for early migrating waterbirds this late summer and early fall.
Applications are submitted through the Bid4Birds website and the application period will be open until 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
Fall Program Key Details:
- Application Period: May 15 to June 10, 2025
- Approximate level of funding: $160,000
- Payment rates vary and are generated by the grower, based on their individual costs of providing the habitat.
Habitat Details:
- Time period: July 15 to October 7, 2025
- Duration: maintain flooding for a 3 or 4-week contract period
- Flooding: maximum of 4 inches throughout the contract period
- Field preparations required (little to no standing vegetation)
- Contracts are ranked on timing, habitat quality, and price
Please read Practice Requirements thoroughly before applying, as some details have changed.
If you have any questions about the program or would just like to learn more, please visit the Bid4Birds webpage or contact Kristin Sesser, Wildlife Programs Manager with the California Rice Commission at (916) 607-8988 or ksesser@calrice.org.
