Are you interested in finding out more about the variety of conservation programs that are currently available for rice producers? The California Rice Commission is hosting an upcoming workshop to discuss all the programs, including: Bid4Birds, BirdReturns, California Winter Rice Habitat Incentive Program, Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program, and more! Workshop speakers will provide an overview of each program and there will be many opportunities for questions. Refreshments will be provided and no RSVP is required.
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The Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) is a program that is run through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and provides public access for hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities on private land. The program provides economic incentives and liability protection to landowners who provide public access opportunities.
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There are two active winter flooding programs available to rice producers this winter. Please read below for brief descriptions of each program and visit the links to the websites for each program to learn more.
BirdReturns – Sandhill Crane Program
- Visit the BirdReturns website for details
- The application period is open until August 17, 2025
- Payment rates are $95/acre
- Either flooded roosting habitat (3-9 inches deep) or non-flooded foraging habitat (no-till until after contract period)
- At least 8 weeks between September 29 and December 31
- No hunting allowed on enrolled or directly adjacent to enrolled flooded roosting habitat during contract period.
California Winter Rice Habitat Incentive Program (CWRHIP)
- Visit the California Riceland Waterbird website for details
- The application period is open until September 8, 2025
- Payment rates are variable based on location: $15/acre on the East side of the Valley and $30/acre on the West side of the Valley
- Fields must have been planted with rice in 2025
- Flood and Maintenance for 70 continuous days, sometime between October and March
- Flooding Depth: 1-12 inches throughout the contract period
REMINDER — Conservation Programs in Rice Workshop
Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Hillcrest Catering
Address: 210 Julie Dr, Yuba City, CA 95991
If you have any questions about the programs or would just like to learn more, please visit the websites above or contact Kristin Sesser, Wildlife Programs Manager with the California Rice Commission at (916) 607-8988 or ksesser@calrice.org.
