1. (a) All proposals shall be reviewed by a review committee of state-staff experts on climate change impacts on communities, fish and wildlife, and natural resources, and public access, or other relevant qualifications based on the nature of the funding available and the Conservancy's priorities.

   1. (1) If state staff with relevant expertise are unavailable, the Conservancy may invite non-state staff experts to participate in the review committee.
   2. (2) All review committee members are subject to applicable laws on conflict of interest.

2. (b) Each Proposal will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

   1. (1) Alignment with and response to the program declarations listed in Section 1 of Proposition 4, including advancing funding to Vulnerable Populations, Disadvantaged Communities, or Severely Disadvantaged Communities, and advancement of Environmental Justice principles.

   2. (2) Alignment with program priorities which shall include the following:

      1. (A) Reduce risks of climate change impact upon communities, fish and wildlife, and natural resources.
      2. (B) Increase Public Access.
   3. (3) Demonstration of public benefits anticipated to be derived from the project, including direct and meaningful community benefits, workforce development and training, or the inclusion of community partnerships, where applicable, including tribally-led projects or partnerships.
   4. (4) Demonstrate readiness and the capacity to complete the proposed project. This includes, but is not limited to, having all required California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documentation completed prior to the Board meeting for funding approval.
   5. (5) Inclusion of services by the California Conservation Corps or certified community conservation corps, as defined in Public Resources Code Section 14507.5, where determined feasible by the applicant.
   6. (6) Inclusion of innovative and/or effective methodology supported by science.
   7. (7) Relative need of the project, based on geographic or environmental vulnerability factors, as described in the request for proposals pursuant Section 25040.4.
3. (c) Proposals that are consistent with established local plans and contribute to the implementation of existing environmental, recreational, climate change, or related initiatives.
4. (d) Proposals for acquisitions or conservation easements shall submit required spatial data to the California Conserved Areas Database and/or the California Conservation Easement Database, administered through the California Protected Areas Database (https://calands.org/).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 32501, 32503, 32510, 32534, 32537, 93020 and 90135, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 32537 and 93020, Public Resources Code.

History

1. New section filed 12-24-2025 as an emergency; operative 12-24-2025 (Register 2025, No. 52). Pursuant to Public Resources Code section 90135(e), this action is a deemed emergency and shall remain in effect until repealed or amended by the San Joaquin River Conservancy.