SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery is awarding $71,132 in cleanup grants to restore public nature areas and animal grazing land in Lassen and Madera counties. The local sites are overrun with illegally dumped appliances, tires, household hazardous waste, electronic waste, construction scraps, and other debris, posing a threat to public health and the environment.

“California must protect the farm, ranch and agricultural lands that help feed people and contribute to our economy.” CalRecycle Director Scott Smithline said. “CalRecycle is committed to keeping these open, rural spaces clean and productive for generations to come.” 
CalRecycle’s Farm and Ranch Solid Waste Cleanup and Abatement Grant Program provides up to $1 million annually for the cleanup of illegal solid waste on farm or ranch property where the owner is not responsible for the illegally dumped debris.

Madera County
CalRecycle is awarding the Coarsegold Resource Conservation District a $21,132 grant to help clear a stretch of the Willow Creek Trail loop, the Douglas Ranger Station turnout, and the Central Camp Road grotto in the county and Sierra National Forest. The sites are on dirt roads with hiking trails and are prone to illegal dumping. A local Boy Scout troop will help support the project by removing recyclables and trash following the cleanup. New garbage and recycling bins, signage and increased monitoring will be put in place to help prevent future dumping.

Lassen County
CalRecycle is awarding the Honey Lake Valley Resource Conservation a $50,000 grant to help clear a 45-acre debris field within the 360-acre Bertotti Ranch. The land is used as a cattle, sheep and pig pasture and serves as graze land for these and other livestock throughout the year. The ungated property was unoccupied for decades. Its proximity to a nearby community and public road made it a frequent illegal dumping ground. New fencing and increased monitoring are expected to help prevent future dumping.

Under the farm and ranch grant program, cities, counties, federally recognized Native American tribes, and resource conservation districts may apply for up to $200,000 per fiscal year, but no more than $50,000 per site. Grants are funded through the state’s Integrated Waste Management Account, Tire Recycling Management Fund, and Used Oil Recycling Fund. Get automatic updates on new grant cycles, awards, and funding availability by subscribing to CalRecycle’s Farm and Ranch Cleanup Grant listserv.