Requesting proposals for 2026 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 $10,000 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 23rd, 2026, to be considered at the November 5th meeting. Applicants are encouraged to attend the meeting and summarize their proposal in a short presentation. The final selection will happen December 3rd when the commissioners decide whether to fully, partially, or not fund each proposal. For full information, please review the RFP document below.
This year, proposals that address Habitat Restoration or have related elements will be eligible for up to 3 bonus points above the 20 points normally available. Habitat Restoration is 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@santacruzcountyca.gov.
Current Commissioners - as of May 21, 2025
| INCUMBENT/APPOINTEE (District): |
APPOINTMENT DATE: |
TERM EXPIRATION DATE: |
| Chris Berry (1) |
March 25, 2025 |
April 1, 2029 |
| Kevin Butler (1) |
May 20, 2025 |
April 1, 2029 |
| Brian Woodward (2) |
May 6, 2025 |
April 1, 2029 |
| David Somerton (2) |
March 23, 2025 |
April 1, 2029 |
| Susan Elizabeth Alter (3) |
March 28, 2023 |
April 1, 2027 |
| Jon Jankovitz (3) |
March 28, 2023 |
April 1, 2027 |
| Brooke Sampson (4) |
August 8, 2023 |
April 1, 2027 |
| Daniela Suarez (4) |
August 8, 2023 |
April 1, 2027 |
| Jenni Gomez (5) Chair |
April 29, 2025 |
April 1, 2029 |
| Joanne Brown (5) |
May 20, 2025 |
April 1, 2029 |
Regular Meeting Information
Location and time: The Commission meets in the Solarium Conference Room, at 1060 Emeline Avenue. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and members of the public are encouraged to join remotely via Teams.
Agendas: Agendas are publicly 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
2026 Commission Meetings
Past Meeting Information can be found here: Agendas and Minutes from Previous Meetings
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.