Requesting proposals for 2023-24 Public Grants Program funding cycle
The Fish and Wildlife Advisory Commission (FWAC) has released a request for proposals (RFP) that will benefit native species and habitats through a project, education, or enforcement. There is $16,000 in grant funding available and all requested amounts will be considered. All applicants must complete both an Applicant Form, a Proposal Form and, if applicable, a W-9 Form. All application materials must be submitted to FWAC@santacruzcountyca.gov by October 26, 2023 in order to be considered at the November 2 meeting. Applicants are encouraged to attend the meeting and summarize their proposal in a short presentation. The final selection will happen December 1 when the commissioners will decide whether to fully, partially, or not fund each proposal. For full information, please review the RFP document below.
This year, proposals that address Invasive Species Management or have related elements will be eligible for up to 3 bonus points above the 20 points normally available. Invasive species management remains a topic that the commission would like to increase awareness of and action on in the current year.
Role
The Fish and Wildlife Advisory Commission (FWAC) advises the Board of Supervisors on any matters pertaining to fish and wildlife in the county, including natural habitat, wildlife and general environment. The Commission also makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, consistent with the policies and regulations of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). These recommendations concern expenditures from the County Fish and Game Propagation Fund, created by Fish and Game Code Sections 13003(b) and 13100 for the propagation and conservation of fish and wildlife in the county. The FWAC is managed in accordance with the following:
Note: This Commission is not part of CDFW. If you would like to contact a CDFW representative, please call the Bay and Delta Region office at 707-428-2002. If you would like to report poaching or pollution of waterways, please call the CALTIP hotline at 888-334-2258.
Commission Structure
The Commission consists of ten County residents, with each Supervisor appointing two commissioners. The County staff person assigned to the Commission is Sean Abbey. If you wish to communicate with someone on the commission, please send an email to FWAC@santacruzcounty.us.
Current Commissioners - as of August 24, 2023
| INCUMBENT/APPOINTEE (District): |
APPOINTMENT DATE: |
TERM EXPIRATION DATE: |
| Sam Adelson (1) |
June 28, 2022 |
April 1, 2025 |
| Chris Berry (1), Chair |
April 13, 2021 |
April 1, 2025 |
| Warren Barry (2) |
June 13, 2023 |
April 1, 2025 |
| David Somerton (2) |
June 11, 2019 |
April 1, 2025 |
| Susan Elizabeth Alter (3) |
October 20, 2020 |
April 1, 2027 |
| Jon Jankovitz (3) |
January 12, 2021 |
April 1, 2027 |
| Brooke Sampson (4) |
August 8, 2023 |
April 1, 2027 |
| Daniela Suarez (4) |
August 8, 2023 |
April 1, 2027 |
| Jenni Gomez (5) |
October 22, 2019 |
April 1, 2025 |
| Jen Michelsen (5) |
April 16, 2019 |
April 1, 2025 |
Regular Meeting Information
Times and dates: The Commission meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each active month: 2023 Meeting Schedule
Location: Solarium Conference Room, at 1060 Emeline Avenue. Members of the public are encouraged to use the remote option via Teams
Agendas: Agendas are publically posted at least 72 hours in advance of meetings and are distributed to all interested parties. Persons wishing to comment on an item should review the Commissions Public Comment Policy Current and past agendas can all be found through the link below.
Biennial Reports:
Every two years, the Commission submits a biennial report to the Board of Supervisors and the County Administrative Officer. This report highlights the activities, accomplishments and future goals of the Commission.