The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has taken a significant step to enhance public access to recreational boating by awarding $7.5 million in grants to support 10 projects across the state. These projects, funded through the Sport Fish Restoration Grant Program and administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), will improve boating facilities, enhance accessibility and ensure Californians can continue to enjoy the state’s vast waterways. The initiative aligns with CDFW’s mission to provide safe, reliable access to the water, while promoting aquatic education and a deeper connection to nature.
CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham emphasized the importance of these efforts, saying, “California is home to some of the richest aquatic environments in the world, and this grant program exists to ensure all Californians have the opportunity to experience the joy and freedom of being out on the water. These projects provide the requisite care and maintenance to keep access to the water for boaters safe and reliable.”
One of the projects benefiting from the grants will be the boat-launching facilities at Sly Park Recreation Area in Pollock Pines, which will receive updates to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. These improvements will provide compliant restrooms, parking stalls and fish-cleaning stations, along with new lighting and wider ramps, ensuring that anglers and boaters can access the water safely and with ease. Similarly, the Turney Street Dock in Sausalito, a vital access point for motorized and non-motorized recreation on Richardson Bay, will see necessary repairs and updates to preserve its role as a key part of the waterfront community. Sausalito’s Resiliency and Sustainability Manager, Catie Thow Garcia, noted the community’s enthusiasm for the project, underscoring the importance of public access in a region where boating is integral to the local culture.
Another crucial area of focus is Redding, where six facilities along the Sacramento River will benefit from grant funding to improve public access for fishing and boating. Enhancing and maintaining these facilities will ensure continued access to the river, a key resource for the local community and a popular destination for outdoor recreation.
Further south, the Orange County Sailing and Events Center will undergo a significant renovation with $3.2 million in grant funding. The deteriorating floating docks will be rebuilt to meet ADA requirements, and the project will expand access to sailing lessons, public programming and youth programs for low-income and disabled children. As Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley noted, the improvements will breathe new life into a facility that has long needed attention, making it a hub for sailing enthusiasts and the broader community.
In addition to these larger projects, the Steamer Landing Dock in Petaluma will receive much-needed repairs to support ADA access and encourage greater use of the river for recreational boating and environmental education programs. The enhancements will strengthen connections between the community and the Petaluma River, allowing more people to experience and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
Meanwhile, in Chula Vista, the Harbor Park Beach and Boat Launch project will proceed with the design and permitting phase, expanding recreational opportunities on the San Diego Bayfront. Community members have long called for more access to the water, and this project promises to meet those demands, making the waterfront more welcoming for kayaks, paddleboards and other personal watercraft.
Across the state, other projects are also moving forward, including the creation of an adaptive paddling access point at Lake Tahoe, which will allow people with disabilities to enjoy paddling at one of the most scenic destinations in California. This project will complement existing programs and enhance accessibility at Patton Landing Beach.
Further north, efforts to improve access to the Truckee River in Nevada County are underway. The project will create sustainable boating access for paddlecraft, benefiting residents and visitors alike. With the river being such a critical gateway to the natural beauty of eastern Nevada County, these improvements will help protect the environment while promoting responsible recreation.
Additionally, Heenan Lake will see construction of new accessible roads, parking areas and a fishing dock, opening up this popular fishing spot to a wider range of anglers, particularly those who have historically been excluded from such opportunities. Similarly, the Avila Pier renovation in San Luis Obispo County will receive further support.
The funding for these projects is made possible through the Sport Fish Restoration Grant Program, which collects revenue from excise taxes on sport fishing equipment, import duties and gasoline taxes attributable to motorboats and small engines. These funds are allocated to state agencies like CDFW to enhance recreational boating access and promote responsible waterway management.
Looking ahead, CDFW anticipates opening additional funding opportunities, with up to $2 million available for new boating access projects. This continuous investment underscores California’s commitment to ensuring its waterways remain open and accessible to all, while also promoting sustainable, safe, and enjoyable boating experiences.
For more information, please visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/.
