AB 1169: Wildlife grants: Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement program.
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2025-07-17
Current Status:
In Progress
(2025-08-29: In committee: Held under submission.)
Introduced
In Committee
Awaiting First Chamber Vote
Passed First Chamber
In Committee
Awaiting Second Chamber Vote
Passed Second Chamber
Enacted
Existing law establishes the Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) program to encourage private landowners to voluntarily make their land available to the public for wildlife-dependent recreational activities, as specified. Existing law requires a cap on financial compensation offered to a private landowner of $30 per acre, or $50 per public participant per day. Existing law authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife, as part of the SHARE program, to make grants to, or enter into agreements with, nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, or any other entities for purposes of carrying out the SHARE program.
This bill would require, rather than authorize, the department to make those grants to, or enter into agreements with, the above-described entities, including a nonprofit conservation organization, when the department finds the grants or agreements are necessary for carrying out the purposes of the SHARE program. The bill would increase the required cap on financial compensation offered to private landowners pursuant to the SHARE program to $52 per acre, or $87 per public participant per day, and would require those figures to be adjusted annually for inflation, as provided. The bill would authorize the department to reimburse a nonprofit organization, a private landowner, or other entity for its services related to the implementation of the program. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2031.
This bill would require the Director of Fish and Wildlife, on or before October 1, 2029, to submit a written report to the Legislature that evaluates the effect of changes to the SHARE program, as provided.
Existing law establishes various programs and authorizes various projects related to wildlife-dependent recreational activities and the protection of wildlife, including projects to benefit upland game bird species and waterfowl and the Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) program. Existing law provides that it is the intent of the SHARE program to encourage private landowners to voluntarily make their land available to the public for wildlife-dependent recreational activities, as specified. Existing law requires a cap on financial compensation offered to a private landowner of $30 per acre, or $50 per public participant per day. Existing law authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife, as part of the SHARE program, to make grants to, or enter into agreements with, nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, or any other entities for purposes of carrying out the SHARE program.
This bill would instead require require, rather than authorize, the department to make those grants to, or enter into agreements with, the above described above-described entities, including a nonprofit conservation organization, when the department finds the grants or agreements are necessary for carrying out the purposes of the SHARE program. The bill would remove increase the required cap on financial compensation offered to private landowners pursuant to the SHARE program and to $52 per acre, or $87 per public participant per day, and would require those figures to be adjusted annually for inflation, as provided. The bill would authorize the department to reimburse a nonprofit organization, a private landowner, or other entity for its services related to the implementation of the program.
Existing law establishes various programs and authorizes various projects related to wildlife-dependent recreational activities and the protection of wildlife, including projects to benefit upland game bird species and waterfowl and the Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) program. Existing law provides that it is the intent of the SHARE program to encourage private landowners to voluntarily make their land available to the public for wildlife-dependent recreational activities, as specified. Existing law requires a cap on financial compensation offered to a private landowner of $30 per acre, or $50 per public participant per day. Existing law authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife, as part of the SHARE program, to make grants to, or enter into agreements with, nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, or any other entities for purposes of carrying out the SHARE program.
This bill would instead require the department to make those grants to, or enter into agreements with, the above described entities, including a nonprofit conservation organization, when the department finds the grants or agreements are necessary for carrying out the purposes of the SHARE program. The bill would remove the required cap on financial compensation offered to private landowners pursuant to the SHARE program and would authorize the department to reimburse a nonprofit organization, a private landowner, or other entity for its services related to the implementation of the program.
(a)There is hereby established the Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) program. The department, in partnership with nonprofit conservation groups and other interested nongovernmental organizations that seek to increase and enhance wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities, shall work cooperatively to implement the program in order to facilitate public access to private lands in a voluntary and incentive-based manner.
(b)The department shall adopt regulations for the management and control of wildlife-dependent recreational activities on land that is subject to the program. The department shall report to the commission annually on the status of the program and maintain data on the types of wildlife-dependent recreational activities preferred by landowners and participants in the program.
(c)(1)The SHARE Account is hereby established in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund. Money deposited in the account from the sources cited in this subdivision shall only be used for the purposes set forth in this article.
(2)Consistent with existing law, the department may establish and impose user fees, use existing hunting and fishing license stamp or tag fees from the Fish and Game Preservation Fund, or apply for grants, federal funds, or other contributions from other sources to fund the program. General Fund moneys shall not be used for the program.
(3)All funding generated pursuant to paragraph (2) from grants, federal funds, or other sources, where the person or entity providing the funds specifically designates in writing prior to the time of transmittal of the funds to the department that the funds are intended solely for the purposes of the program, and any user fees assessed by the department specifically for the program, shall be deposited in the SHARE Account in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund. The moneys in the account, upon appropriation by the Legislature, shall be available for expenditure by the department solely for programs and projects to benefit the program and for the direct costs and administrative overhead incurred solely in carrying out the departments program activities. Funds may also be used for wildlife conservation purposes on lands subject to an agreement under the program. Administrative overhead shall be limited to the reasonable costs associated with the direct administration of the program. The department shall maintain internal accountability necessary to ensure that all restrictions on the expenditure of these funds are met.
(d)Consistent with Section 1570, the department shall make grants to, or enter into agreements with, nonprofit conservation organizations, governmental entities, or any other entities for the use of the funds described in subdivision (c) when the department finds that the grants or agreements are necessary for carrying out the purposes of this article.
(e)The program is not subject to Part 2 (commencing with Section 10100) of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code, or Article 6 (commencing with Section 999) of Chapter 6 of Division 4 of the Military and Veterans Code.
(f)The department may reimburse a nonprofit organization, a private landowner, or other entity for its costs or services related to the implementation of the program.
(g)This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2031, and as of that date is repealed.
SEC. 2.Section 1572 is added to the Fish and Game Code, to read:1572.(a)There is hereby established the Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) program. The department, in partnership with nonprofit conservation groups and other interested nongovernmental organizations that seek to increase and enhance wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities, shall work cooperatively to implement the program in order to facilitate public access to private lands in a voluntary and incentive-based manner.
(b)The department shall adopt regulations for the management and control of wildlife-dependent recreational activities on land that is subject to the program. The department shall report to the commission annually on the status of the program and maintain data on the types of wildlife-dependent recreational activities preferred by landowners and participants in the program.
(c)(1)The SHARE Account is hereby established in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund. Money deposited in the account from the sources cited in this subdivision shall only be used for the purposes set forth in this article.
(2)Consistent with existing law, the department may establish and impose user fees, use existing hunting and fishing license stamp or tag fees from the Fish and Game Preservation Fund, or apply for grants, federal funds, or other contributions from other sources to fund the program. General Fund moneys shall not be used for the program.
(3)All funding generated pursuant to paragraph (2) from grants, federal funds, or other sources, where the person or entity providing the funds specifically designates in writing prior to the time of transmittal of the funds to the department that the funds are intended solely for the purposes of the program, and any user fees assessed by the department specifically for the program, shall be deposited in the SHARE Account in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund. The moneys in the account, upon appropriation by the Legislature, shall be available for expenditure by the department solely for programs and projects to benefit the program and for the direct costs and administrative overhead incurred solely in carrying out the departments program activities. Funds may also be used for wildlife conservation purposes on lands subject to an agreement under the program. Administrative overhead shall be limited to the reasonable costs associated with the direct administration of the program. The department shall maintain internal accountability necessary to ensure that all restrictions on the expenditure of these funds are met.
(d)The department may make grants to, or enter into agreements with, nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, or any other entities for the use of the funds described in subdivision (c) when the department finds that the agreements are necessary for carrying out the purposes of this article.
(e)The program is not subject to Part 2 (commencing with Section 10100) of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code, or Article 6 (commencing with Section 999) of Chapter 6 of Division 4 of the Military and Veterans Code.
(f)The department may reimburse a nonprofit organization, a private landowner, or other entity for its costs related to the implementation of the program.
(g)This section shall become operative on January 1, 2031.
SEC. 2.SEC. 3.Section 1573 of the Fish and Game Code is amended to read:1573.(a)(1)The department may enter into a voluntary agreement with a private landowner, including an agreement under which the private landowner is compensated by the department for public use of the land, to provide public access for wildlife-dependent recreational activities. Any financial compensation offered to a private landowner pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed fifty-two dollars ($52) per acre, or eighty-seven dollars ($87) per public participant per day, and shall be commensurate with the quality of the wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities that are to be provided on the property. The limits on financial compensation set forth in this paragraph are applicable to the 2026 calendar year and shall be adjusted annually thereafter using the calculations described in Section 713.
(2)The department also may enter into a voluntary agreement with a private landowner to facilitate access to adjacent public lands or waters, upon approval of the governmental entity that holds title to the land. This article does not authorize a private landowner to exclude persons not participating in the SHARE program from using public land for wildlife-dependent recreational activities.
(3)The department may enter into a voluntary agreement with a governmental entity to provide wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities to the public on public lands or waters.
(b)Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall keep confidential and not release to the public any personal identifying information received from a private landowner participating in the program, unless the director determines that release of that information is necessary for the administration of the program.
(c)Either the department or a private landowner may, in writing, modify or cancel an agreement executed under the program, at any time. Upon cancellation or modification of the agreement by either party, the other party shall be reimbursed for any lost revenues or expenses incurred pursuant to the terms of the original agreement.
(d)In addition to any other protection or remedy under law, the protections and remedies afforded to an owner of an estate or any other interest in real property under Section 846 of the Civil Code shall apply to a private landowner, nonprofit organization, or other entity participating in the program.
(e)The department shall require every person who wants to use land that is subject to an agreement pursuant to subdivision (a), before using that land, to sign a waiver that releases the department or any private group, nonprofit organization, governmental entity, or other organization involved in administering the program, and the private landowner, from liability for any injury or damage that arises from, or is connected with that persons use of the land. Upon request, the department shall provide a copy of the waiver to any of the parties to the waiver.
(f)An agreement executed pursuant to the program shall not authorize the take of nongame species by public participants in the program. An agreement may not authorize a private landowner to transfer a hunting or fishing license, stamp, or tag to another person, unless otherwise authorized by law.
(g)In determining which lands may be included in the program, the department shall give priority to those lands with the greatest wildlife habitat value. To the extent possible, the department shall also include in the program private lands that permit multiple wildlife-dependent recreational activities, in order to take into consideration the participation of the general public in the program.
(h)This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2031, and as of that date is repealed.
SEC. 4.Section 1573 is added to the Fish and Game Code, to read:1573.(a)(1)The department may enter into a voluntary agreement with a private landowner, including an agreement under which the private landowner is compensated by the department for public use of the land, to provide public access for wildlife-dependent recreational activities. Any financial compensation offered to a private landowner pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed thirty dollars ($30) per acre, or fifty dollars ($50) per public participant per day, and shall be commensurate with the quality of the wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities that are to be provided on the property.
(2)The department also may enter into a voluntary agreement with a private landowner to facilitate access to adjacent public lands or waters, upon approval of the governmental entity that holds title to the land. This article does not authorize a private landowner to exclude persons not participating in the SHARE program from using public land for wildlife-dependent recreational activities.
(3)The department may enter into a voluntary agreement with a governmental entity to provide wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities to the public on public lands or waters.
(b)Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the department shall keep confidential and not release to the public any personal identifying information received from a private landowner participating in the program, unless the director determines that release of that information is necessary for the administration of the program.
(c)Either the department or a private landowner may, in writing, modify or cancel an agreement executed under the program, at any time. Upon cancellation or modification of the agreement by either party, the other party shall be reimbursed for any lost revenues or expenses incurred pursuant to the terms of the original agreement.
(d)In addition to any other protection or remedy under law, the protections and remedies afforded to an owner of an estate or any other interest in real property under Section 846 of the Civil Code shall apply to a private landowner, nonprofit organization, or other entity participating in the program.
(e)The department shall require every person who wants to use land that is subject to an agreement pursuant to subdivision (a), prior to using that land, to sign a waiver that releases the department or any private group, nonprofit organization, governmental entity, or other organization involved in administering the program, and the private landowner, from liability for any injury or damage that arises from, or is connected with that persons use of the land. Upon request, the department shall provide a copy of the waiver to any of the parties to the waiver.
(f)An agreement executed pursuant to the program shall not authorize the take of nongame species by public participants in the program. An agreement may not authorize a private landowner to transfer a hunting or fishing license, stamp, or tag to another person, unless otherwise authorized by law.
(g)In determining which lands may be included in the program, the department shall give priority to those lands with the greatest wildlife habitat value. To the extent possible, the department shall also include in the program private lands that permit multiple wildlife-dependent recreational activities, in order to take into consideration the participation of the general public in the program.
(h)This section shall become operative on January 1, 2031.
SEC. 5.Section 1573.1 is added to the Fish and Game Code, to read:1573.1.(a)On or before October 1, 2029, the director shall submit a written report to the Legislature that evaluates the effect of changes to the SHARE program, including the increase in maximum compensation limits.
(b)The report to be submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall include all of the following:
(1)Information regarding landowner participation and wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities in the SHARE program, including changes in landowner participation, acreage availability, wildlife-dependent recreational activities, and counties with landowner participation.
(2)The ending balance, source, and amount of all moneys deposited in, and all expenditures from, the SHARE account, including for department overhead and administrative expenses.
(3)A summary of department outreach to nonprofit organizations and others regarding grants and other opportunities available through the SHARE program to promote participation in wildlife-dependent recreational activities.
(4)Information regarding the number of hunters or anglers, and the number of new or returning hunters or anglers participating in the SHARE program, including any evidence of any change in participation by those who had not previously purchased a hunting or fishing license due to participation in the SHARE program.
(5)Any other relevant information at the discretion of the director.
(c)The director shall collect all relevant, appropriate, and sufficient data necessary to evaluate the effect of changes in the SHARE program to landowner participation, and hunting and angling participation, in the state. Data collection efforts pursuant to this subdivision shall avoid duplication and use data collected for other purposes, to the extent feasible.
(d)(1)The report to be submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(2)Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this section is inoperative on October 1, 2033, and is repealed on January 1, 2034.
(a)There is hereby established the Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) program. The department, in partnership with nonprofit conservation groups and other interested nongovernmental organizations that seek to increase and enhance wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities, shall work cooperatively to implement the program in order to facilitate public access to private lands in a voluntary and incentive-based manner.
(b)The department shall adopt regulations for the management and control of wildlife-dependent recreational activities on land that is subject to the program. The department shall report to the commission annually on the status of the program and maintain data on the types of wildlife-dependent recreational activities preferred by landowners and participants in the program.
(c)(1)The SHARE Account is hereby established in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund. Money deposited in the account from the sources cited in this subdivision shall only be used for the purposes set forth in this article.
(2)Consistent with existing law, the department may establish and impose user fees, use existing hunting and fishing license stamp or tag fees from the Fish and Game Preservation Fund, or apply for grants, federal funds, or other contributions from other sources to fund the program. General Fund moneys shall not be used for the program.
(3)All funding generated pursuant to paragraph (2) from grants, federal funds, or other sources, where the person or entity providing the funds specifically designates in writing prior to the time of transmittal of the funds to the department that the funds are intended solely for the purposes of the program, and any user fees assessed by the department specifically for the program, shall be deposited in the SHARE Account in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund. The moneys in the account, upon appropriation by the Legislature, shall be available for expenditure by the department solely for programs and projects to benefit the program and for the direct costs and administrative overhead incurred solely in carrying out the departments program activities. Funds may also be used for wildlife conservation purposes on lands subject to an agreement under the program. Administrative overhead shall be limited to the reasonable costs associated with the direct administration of the program. The department shall maintain internal accountability necessary to ensure that all restrictions on the expenditure of these funds are met.
(d)Consistent with Section 1570, the department shall make grants to, or enter into agreements with, nonprofit conservation organizations, governmental entities, or any other entities for the use of the funds described in subdivision (c) when the department finds that the grants or agreements are necessary for carrying out the purposes of this article.
(e)The program is not subject to Part 2 (commencing with Section 10100) of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code, or Article 6 (commencing with Section 999) of Chapter 6 of Division 4 of the Military and Veterans Code.
(f)The department may reimburse a nonprofit organization, a private landowner, or other entity for its costs or services related to the implementation of the program.
SEC. 2.Section 1573 of the Fish and Game Code is amended to read:1573.(a)(1)The department may enter into a voluntary agreement with a private landowner, including an agreement under which the private landowner is compensated by the department for public use of the land, to provide public access for wildlife-dependent recreational activities. Any financial compensation offered to a private landowner pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed fifty-two dollars ($52) per acre, or eighty-seven dollars ($87) per public participant per day, and shall be commensurate with the quality of the wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities that are to be provided on the property. The limits on financial compensation set forth in this paragraph are applicable to the 2026 calendar year and shall be adjusted annually thereafter using the calculations described in Section 713.
(2)The department also may enter into a voluntary agreement with a private landowner to facilitate access to adjacent public lands or waters, upon approval of the governmental entity that holds title to the land. This article does not authorize a private landowner to exclude persons not participating in the SHARE program from using public land for wildlife-dependent recreational activities.
(3)The department may enter into a voluntary agreement with a governmental entity to provide wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities to the public on public lands or waters.
(b)Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall keep confidential and not release to the public any personal identifying information received from a private landowner participating in the program, unless the director determines that release of that information is necessary for the administration of the program.
(c)Either the department or a private landowner may, in writing, modify or cancel an agreement executed under the program, at any time. Upon cancellation or modification of the agreement by either party, the other party shall be reimbursed for any lost revenues or expenses incurred pursuant to the terms of the original agreement.
(d)In addition to any other protection or remedy under law, the protections and remedies afforded to an owner of an estate or any other interest in real property under Section 846 of the Civil Code shall apply to a private landowner, nonprofit organization, or other entity participating in the program.
(e)The department shall require every person who wants to use land that is subject to an agreement pursuant to subdivision (a), before using that land, to sign a waiver that releases the department or any private group, nonprofit organization, governmental entity, or other organization involved in administering the program, and the private landowner, from liability for any injury or damage that arises from, or is connected with that persons use of the land. Upon request, the department shall provide a copy of the waiver to any of the parties to the waiver.
(f)An agreement executed pursuant to the program shall not authorize the take of nongame species by public participants in the program. An agreement may not authorize a private landowner to transfer a hunting or fishing license, stamp, or tag to another person, unless otherwise authorized by law.
(g)In determining which lands may be included in the program, the department shall give priority to those lands with the greatest wildlife habitat value. To the extent possible, the department shall also include in the program private lands that permit multiple wildlife-dependent recreational activities, in order to take into consideration the participation of the general public in the program.
(a)There is hereby established the Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) program. The department, in partnership with nonprofit conservation groups and other interested nongovernmental organizations that seek to increase and enhance wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities, shall work cooperatively to implement the program in order to facilitate public access to private lands in a voluntary and incentive-based manner.
(b)The department shall adopt regulations for the management and control of wildlife-dependent recreational activities on land that is subject to the program. The department shall report to the commission annually on the status of the program and maintain data on the types of wildlife-dependent recreational activities preferred by landowners and participants in the program.
(c)(1)The SHARE Account is hereby established in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund. Money deposited in the account from the sources cited in this subdivision shall only be used for the purposes set forth in this article.
(2)Consistent with existing law, the department may establish and impose user fees, use existing hunting and fishing license stamp or tag fees from the Fish and Game Preservation Fund, or apply for grants, federal funds, or other contributions from other sources to fund the program. General Fund moneys shall not be used for the program.
(3)All funding generated pursuant to paragraph (2) from grants, federal funds, or other sources, where the person or entity providing the funds specifically designates in writing prior to the time of transmittal of the funds to the department that the funds are intended solely for the purposes of the program, and any user fees assessed by the department specifically for the program, shall be deposited in the SHARE Account in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund. The moneys in the account, upon appropriation by the Legislature, shall be available for expenditure by the department solely for programs and projects to benefit the program and for the direct costs and administrative overhead incurred solely in carrying out the departments program activities. Funds may also be used for wildlife conservation purposes on lands subject to an agreement under the program. Administrative overhead shall be limited to the reasonable costs associated with the direct administration of the program. The department shall maintain internal accountability necessary to ensure that all restrictions on the expenditure of these funds are met.
(d)The Consistent with Section 1570, the department may shall make grants to, or enter into agreements with, nonprofit conservation organizations, governmental entities, or any other entities for the use of the funds described in subdivision (c) when the department finds that the grants or agreements are necessary for carrying out the purposes of this article.
(e)The program is not subject to Part 2 (commencing with Section 10100) of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code, or Article 6 (commencing with Section 999) of Chapter 6 of Division 4 of the Military and Veterans Code.
(f)The department may reimburse a nonprofit organization, a private landowner, or other entity for its costs or services related to the implementation of the program.
SEC. 2.Section 1573 of the Fish and Game Code is amended to read:1573.(a)(1)The department may enter into a voluntary agreement with a private landowner, including an agreement under which the private landowner is compensated by the department for public use of the land, to provide public access for wildlife-dependent recreational activities. Any financial compensation offered to a private landowner pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed thirty dollars ($30) per acre, or fifty dollars ($50) per public participant per day, and shall be commensurate with the quality of the wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities that are to be provided on the property.
(2)The department also may enter into a voluntary agreement with a private landowner to facilitate access to adjacent public lands or waters, upon approval of the governmental entity that holds title to the land. This article does not authorize a private landowner to exclude persons not participating in the SHARE program from using public land for wildlife-dependent recreational activities.
(3)The department may enter into a voluntary agreement with a governmental entity to provide wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities to the public on public lands or waters.
(b)Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the department shall keep confidential and not release to the public any personal identifying information received from a private landowner participating in the program, unless the director determines that release of that information is necessary for the administration of the program.
(c)Either the department or a private landowner may, in writing, modify or cancel an agreement executed under the program, at any time. Upon cancellation or modification of the agreement by either party, the other party shall be reimbursed for any lost revenues or expenses incurred pursuant to the terms of the original agreement.
(d)In addition to any other protection or remedy under law, the protections and remedies afforded to an owner of an estate or any other interest in real property under Section 846 of the Civil Code shall apply to a private landowner, nonprofit organization, or other entity participating in the program.
(e)The department shall require every person who wants to use land that is subject to an agreement pursuant to subdivision (a), prior to before using that land, to sign a waiver that releases the department or any private group, nonprofit organization, governmental entity, or other organization involved in administering the program, and the private landowner, from liability for any injury or damage that arises from, or is connected with that persons use of the land. Upon request, the department shall provide a copy of the waiver to any of the parties to the waiver.
(f)An agreement executed pursuant to the program shall not authorize the take of nongame species by public participants in the program. An agreement may not authorize a private landowner to transfer a hunting or fishing license, stamp, or tag to another person, unless otherwise authorized by law.
(g)In determining which lands may be included in the program, the department shall give priority to those lands with the greatest wildlife habitat value. To the extent possible, the department shall also include in the program private lands that permit multiple wildlife-dependent recreational activities, in order to take into consideration the participation of the general public in the program.
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Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Aug 29, 2025 | In committee: Held under submission. |
| Aug 18, 2025 | In committee: Referred to suspense file. |
| Jul 17, 2025 | Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Jul 16, 2025 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (July 16). |
| Jun 18, 2025 | Referred to Com. on N.R. & W. |
| Jun 4, 2025 | In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. |
| Jun 3, 2025 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 78. Noes 0. Page 2016.) |
| May 27, 2025 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| May 23, 2025 | Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading. |
| May 23, 2025 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended. (Ayes 14. Noes 0.) (May 23). |
| May 23, 2025 | Assembly Rule 63 suspended. (Ayes 51. Noes 16. Page 1644.) |
| Apr 23, 2025 | In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to suspense file. |
| Apr 9, 2025 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 13. Noes 0.) (April 8). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Mar 10, 2025 | Referred to Com. on W. P., & W. |
| Feb 24, 2025 | Read first time. |
| Feb 22, 2025 | From printer. May be heard in committee March 24. |
| Feb 21, 2025 | Introduced. To print. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 18, 2025 | Placed on suspense file | Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Jul 16, 2025 | Do pass as amended, but first amend, and re-refer to the Committee on [Appropriations] with the recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Senate Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Water |
Passed |
|
| Jun 3, 2025 | AB 1169 Jeff Gonzalez Assembly Third Reading | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| May 23, 2025 | Do pass as amended. | Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Apr 8, 2025 | Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Assembly Standing Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| California Bowmen Hunters/State Archery Association | ** Support | |
| California Chapter Wild Sheep Foundation | ** Support | |
| California Deer Association | ** Support | |
| California Houndsmen For Conservation | ** Support | |
| California Rice Commission | ** Support | |
| California State Chapter - National Wild Turkey Federation | ** Support | |
| California Waterfowl Association | ** Support | |
| California Wild Sheep Foundation | ** Support | |
| Delta Waterfowl | ** Support | |
| Ducks Unlimited | ** Support | |
| Grassland Water District | ** Support | |
| Howl for Wildlife | ** Support | |
| National Wild Turkey Federation, California State Chapter | ** Support | |
| Northern California Water Association | ** Support | |
| Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation | ** Support | |
| Sacramento Safari Club | ** Support | |
| Safari Club International | ** Support | |
| Safari Club International California Coalition | ** Support | |
| San Diego County Wildlife Federation | ** Support | |
| San Francisco Bay Area Chapter - Safari Club International | ** Support | |
| San Francisco Bay Safari Club | ** Support | |
| The Black Brant Group | ** Support | |
| Tulare Basin Wetlands Association | ** Support |
SENATE COMMITTEE ON
Senator Anna Caballero, Chair
2025 - 2026 Regular Session
AB 1169 (Jeff Gonzalez) - Wildlife grants: Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement program
Version: | Policy Vote: |
Urgency: | Mandate: |
Hearing Date: | Consultant: |
Bill Summary:
This bill would raise the compensation available to a landowner who participates in the Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) program, which offers hunting and fishing opportunities, to $52 per acre or $87 per public participant for the 2026 calendar year and index the compensation limit thereafter, among other provisions.
Fiscal Impact:
- Ongoing cost pressures of an unknown but likely significant amount (SHARE Account) to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) due to raising the compensation available to a landowner who participates in the SHARE program. CDFW compensation through the SHARE program may not exceed permit application fee revenue collected by the department, minus the costs associated with operating the program.
Background:
AB 396 (Harman, Chapter 394, Statutes of 2003) established the SHARE program (Fish and Game Code (FGC) §§1570 et seq.). It allows landowners (e.g., private landowners, non-profits, or government agencies) to make their lands available to the public for hunting, fishing, or recreational activities in exchange for economic incentives and liability protection, under specified conditions. Access permits are awarded by random draw through CDFW’s online license service. California’s lands cover approximately 101 million acres and over half of that is privately owned. The goal of SHARE is to provide public access to private or otherwise landlocked public land through collaborative partnerships with landowners. A landowner may have interest in participating in the SHARE program because of the financial incentive, as a method to relieve wildlife damage on their property, or simply to expand areas available for recreational activities. Maximum compensation to the landowner is calculated as up to $30 per acre or up to $50 per participant. Acreage and participant compensation rates were set in 2003 and 2009, respectively.
Hunters who wish to participate in a SHARE hunt apply online and each application for a specific hunt is $14.86. Recent SHARE participation data is shown in the table below. Information about each SHARE hunt is available on CDFW’s website – such as the specific species, day or days of the hunt, and any restrictions imposed by the landowner. For elk, there were 59 SHARE hunt opportunities for a total of 93 animals. The application acceptance rate was generally low (less than 1%), but overall hunter success at hunting and taking an elk last year was pretty good – almost 75%. There are additional SHARE hunt opportunities for waterfowl, dove, pheasant, quail, deer, wild pig, turkey, and bear. According to the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee, there are 15 counties with properties in the SHARE program, mostly in Humboldt County. There was one SHARE sport fishing opportunity listed, although it is currently closed.
CDFW awarded 293 and 329 access permits via random draw under the SHARE program in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Proposed Law:
This bill would raise the compensation available to a landowner who participates in the SHARE program to $52 per acre or $87 per public participant for the 2026 calendar year and index the compensation limit thereafter, among other provisions.
Specifically, this bill would:
- Require, instead of authorize, CDFW to make grants or enter into agreements with conservation-oriented nonprofit organizations, or others, as provided, when CDFW finds that the grants or agreements are necessary for carrying out the purposes of this article.
- Add services to implement the SHARE program as an item that CDFW is authorized to reimburse a nonprofit organization, a private landowner, or other entity for.
- Raise the limit on financial compensation to a private landowner to $52 per acre or $87 per public participant per day for the 2026 calendar year and authorize indexing annually thereafter, as provided.
- Sunset these provisions on January 1, 2031.
- This bill would require the Director CDFW, on or before October 1, 2029, to submit a written report to the Legislature that evaluates the effect of changes to the SHARE program, as provided.
Related Legislation:
AB 1423 (Berryhill, Chapter 394, Statutes of 2009), allowed the SHARE program to be initiated without the Fish and Game Commission verifying sufficient public interest, expanded the properties that may be used for the SHARE program, and authorized an additional compensation option to landowners of $50 per public participant per day.
AB 396 (Harman, Chapter 394, Statutes of 2003) established the SHARE program at CDFW.
-- END --
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND WATER
Senator Monique Limón, Chair
2025 - 2026 Regular
Bill No: AB 1169 Hearing Date: July 16, 2025
Author: | |||
Version: | Amended | ||
Urgency: | Fiscal: | ||
Consultant: | |||
Subject: Wildlife grants: Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement program
SUMMARY
This bill would raise the compensation available to a landowner who participates in the Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) program, which offers hunting and fishing opportunities, to $52 per acre or $87 per public participant for the 2026 calendar year and index the compensation limit thereafter, among other provisions.
BACKGROUND AND EXISTING LAW
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
CDFW is the state trustee agency for the state’s fish, wildlife, and plant species; CDFW’s mission statement is “to manage California’s diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.” CDFW regulates sport fishing and hunting in California.
The SHARE program
AB 396 (Harman, Chapter 394, Statutes of 2003) established the SHARE program (Fish and Game Code (FGC) §§1570 et seq.). It allows landowners (e.g., private landowners, non-profits, or government agencies) to make their lands available to the public for hunting, fishing, or recreational activities in exchange for economic incentives and liability protection, under specified conditions. Access permits are awarded by random draw through CDFW’s online license service. California’s lands cover approximately 101 million acres and over half of that is privately owned. The goal of SHARE is to provide public access to private or otherwise landlocked public land through collaborative partnerships with landowners. A landowner may have interest in participating in the SHARE program because of the financial incentive, as a method to relieve wildlife damage on their property, or simply to expand areas available for recreational activities. Maximum compensation to the landowner is calculated as up to $30 per acre or up to $50 per participant. Acreage and participant compensation rates were set in 2003 and 2009, respectively.
Hunters who wish to participate in a SHARE hunt apply online and each application for a specific hunt is $14.86. Recent SHARE participation data is shown in the table below. Information about each SHARE hunt is available on CDFW’s website – such as the specific species, day or days of the hunt, and any restrictions imposed by the landowner. For elk, there were 59 SHARE hunt opportunities for a total of 93 animals. The application acceptance rate was generally low (less than 1%), but overall hunter success at hunting and taking an elk last year was pretty good – almost 75%. There are additional SHARE hunt opportunities for waterfowl, dove, pheasant, quail, deer, wild pig, turkey, and bear. According to the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee, there are 15 counties with properties in the SHARE program, mostly in Humboldt County. There was one SHARE sport fishing opportunity listed, although it is currently closed. CDFW’s website identified at least 4 hunts as “new”.
year | Hunters or hunters/anglers | Applications to SHARE hunting opportunities | Applications to SHARE fishing opportunities |
2023 | 6,764 | 45,982 | n/a |
2024 | 5,975 | 40,911 | 493 |
CDFW awarded 293 and 329 access permits via random draw under the SHARE program in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Existing law:
- Establishes CDFW in the California Natural Resources Agency.
- CDFW’s mission is to “manage California’s diverse fish, wildlife and plant resources and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.”
- Provides that various types of hunting licenses be issued subject to certain terms and conditions. A hunting license grants the privilege to take birds and mammals.
- CDFW is required to issue an annual resident hunting license and other hunting licenses to those who meet the requirements to hold the license and pay applicable fees. The annual hunting license is valid for a term of one year from July 1 to June 30, inclusive, or, if issued after the beginning of the license year, for the remainder of the license year. The 2025/2026 resident annual hunting license is $62.90. (FGC §3031)
- Requires a hunter to purchase any applicable tags, stamps, permits, and other required authorizations to take certain game animals in season or to participate in certain hunts.
- Establishes the SHARE program (FGC §§1570 et seq.)
- States legislative intent to encourage private landowners to voluntarily make their land available to the public for wildlife-dependent recreational activities.
- Requires CDFW to work in partnership with nonprofit conservation groups and others to cooperatively implement the program in order to facilitate public access to private lands, as provided. Requires CDFW to adopt regulations for the management and control of recreational activities on participating lands.
- Prohibits any General Fund monies from being used for SHARE. Requires all user fees and other funds in the SHARE Account to be used solely for programs and projects to benefit the SHARE program and CDFW direct costs and administrative overhead associated with the program. Authorizes funds to be used for wildlife conservation purposes on lands participating in the program.
- Authorizes CDFW to make grants to, or enter into agreements with, nonprofit organizations, governmental entities or other entities for the use of the funds when CDFW finds that the agreements are necessary.
- Authorizes CDFW to reimburse an entity for costs associated with the implementation of the program, as provided.
- Authorizes CDFW to enter into a voluntary agreement with a private landowner to provide public access for wildlife-dependent recreational activities. Prohibits financial compensation offered to a private landowner to exceed $30 per acre or $50 per public participant per day, as provided.
PROPOSED LAW
This bill would raise the compensation available to a landowner who participates in the SHARE program to $52 per acre or $87 per public participant for the 2026 calendar year and index the compensation limit thereafter, among other provisions.
Specifically, this bill would:
- Require, instead of authorize, CDFW to make grants or enter into agreements with conservation-oriented nonprofit organizations, or others, as provided, when CDFW finds that the grants or agreements are necessary for carrying out the purposes of this article.
- Add services to implement the SHARE program as an item that CDFW is authorized to reimburse a nonprofit organization, a private landowner, or other entity for.
- Raise the limit on financial compensation to a private landowner to $52 per acre or $87 per public participant per day for the 2026 calendar year and authorize indexing annually thereafter, as provided.
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT
According to the author, “AB 1169 is crafted to help support and expand the number of outdoor recreation opportunities offered to the public through the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement Program. This valuable program provides members of our community with access to private lands for the purposes of hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Access to quality outdoor recreation is imperative, and I am proud to author this Bill ensuring it grows.”
ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION
None received
COMMENTS
The maximum compensation limit per acre was established in 2003. If the limits had reflected inflation over the last 20 years, landowners would be reimbursed approximately $52 per acre, or $87 per participant per day[1] . These are the values this bill proposes to re-set the maximum compensation limits to with indexing annually after 2026. The application fees for the SHARE program drawings, on the other hand, are indexed already and adjusted annually.
According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, CDFW collected about $540,000 in fees and spent about $386,000 on the program in fiscal year 2023-2024. SHARE compensation paid to landowners was $279,883.73 and $320,120.03 in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The SHARE account balance as of June 30, 2024 is $1.9 million.
Proponents argue that the increased compensation could help spread the SHARE program to more areas of the state. They also argue that CDFW does not pay compensation to any of the hunting organizations that help organize outdoor access programs, Existing law – and the law as proposed to be changed – does not require CDFW to compensate any nonprofit or other organizations if CDFW does not believe it is necessary.
Does SHARE help attract or retain hunters? Over the last 50 years, there has been a steady decline in annual hunting license sales (see figure below). There was a brief increase in 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but that was gone after a year or two and the downward trend has continued. This decline occurred at the same time as California’s population approximately doubled. In 1970, almost 4% of the state’s residents purchased a hunting license and now just about 0.6% do (2nd figure below). California is not unique in this regard, as hunting participation also declined nationally overall during this time period. Numerous factors are thought to be responsible for this decline in hunting participation including increased urbanization, loss of lands for hunting, loss of access to land for hunting, lack of quality hunts, and loss of hunting social groups, among others.
It may be that the increase in compensation for participation in the SHARE program will help to make more opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreational activities. This may help to increase interest in hunting and help to “recruit, retain, and reactivate” (“R3”) hunters. CDFW made a reasonably concerted effort several years ago on R3 in an effort to increase public interest in hunting and angling. While CDFW’s efforts were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic (which did temporarily increase license sales), the R3 effort does not seem to have made a discernable difference in hunting participation.
Outdoor access programs have been of particular legislative interest in recent years to help ensure that all Californians can participate in and benefit from the state’s outdoor recreational opportunities.
In view of the above, the Committee may wish to add a 5 year sunset to this bill in order to provide the opportunity to assess the impact of the changes proposed herein on the SHARE program and increased wildlife-dependent recreational activities through the program. In addition, a legislative report due in advance of the sunset will help in the evaluation of the SHARE program, particularly to the extent it helps to attract new hunter or returning hunters. [Amendment 1]
Related legislation
AB 1423 (Berryhill, Chapter 394, Statutes of 2009), allowed the SHARE program to be initiated without the Fish and Game Commission verifying sufficient public interest, expanded the properties that may be used for the SHARE program, and authorized an additional compensation option to landowners of $50 per public participant per day.
AB 396 (Harman, Chapter 394, Statutes of 2003) established the SHARE program at CDFW.
SUGGESTED AMENDMENTS
AMENDMENT 1
Sunset the bill’s provisions and revert to existing law on January 1, 2031.
Add a legislative report in a new section in the Fish and Game Code as follows:
157X. (a) On or before October 1, 2029, the director shall submit a written report to the Legislature that evaluates the effect of changes to the SHARE program, including the increase in maximum compensation limits.
(b) The report to be submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall include all of the following:
(1) Information regarding landowner participation and wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities in the SHARE program, including changes in landowner participation, acreage available, wildlife-dependent recreational activities, and counties with landowner participation.
(2) The ending balance, source and amount of all moneys deposited in, and all expenditures from the SHARE account, including for department overhead and administrative expenses.
(3) A summary of department outreach to nonprofit organizations and others regarding grants and other opportunities available through the SHARE program to promote participation in wildlife-dependent recreational activities.
(4) Information regarding the number of hunters or anglers, and the number of new or returning hunters or anglers participating in the SHARE program, including any evidence of any change in participation by those who had not previously purchased a hunting or fishing license due to participation in the SHARE program.
(5) Any other relevant information at the discretion of the director.
(c) The director shall collect all relevant, appropriate, and sufficient data necessary to evaluate the effect of changes in the SHARE program to landowner participation, and hunting and angling participation in the state. Data collection efforts pursuant to this subdivision shall avoid duplication and use data collected for other purposes, to the extent feasible.
(d) (1) The report to be submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(2) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this section is inoperative on October 1, 203X, and is repealed on January 1, 203X.
SUPPORT
California Waterfowl Association (sponsor)
California Bowmen Hunters/State Archery Association
California Deer Association
California Houndsmen for Conservation
California Rice Commission
California Wild Sheep Foundation
Delta Waterfowl
Ducks Unlimited
Grassland Water District
HOWL for Wildlife
National Wild Turkey Federation, California State Chapter
Northern California Water Association
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Sacramento Safari Club
Safari Club International – California Coalition
San Diego County Wildlife Federation
San Francisco Bay Safari Club
The Black Brant Group
Tulare Basin Wetlands Association
OPPOSITION
None received
-- END --
The $50 fee per participant per day was established in 2009, not 2003. ↑
ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
ATR Bill Id:AB 1169
Author:(Jeff Gonzalez)
As Amended Ver:May 23, 2025
Majority vote
SUMMARY
Makes changes to the Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement Program (SHARE program).
Major Provisions
- Requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to make grants to, or enter into agreements with, nonprofit conservation organizations, government entities, or other entities, when CDFW finds that those grants or agreements are necessary for the purposes of the SHARE program.
- Increases the price caps on the financial compensation given to landowners participating in the SHARE program [i.e., $52 per acre (instead of $30) and $87 per participant per day (instead of $50)]. Makes the increased price caps applicable to the 2026 calendar year and requires that they be adjusted annually thereafter.
- Makes other technical changes.
COMMENTS
The SHARE program was established in the Fish and Game Code in 2003. It allows landowners (e.g., private landowners, non-profits, or government agencies) to make their lands available to the public for hunting, fishing, or recreational activities in exchange for economic incentives and liability protection, under specified conditions. Access permits are awarded by random draw through CDFW's online license service. With over half of California's acreage being privately owned, the goal of SHARE is to provide public access to private or otherwise landlocked public land through collaborative partnerships with landowners. A landowner may have interest in participating in the SHARE program because of the financial incentive, as a method to relieve wildlife damage on their property, or simply to expand available recreation area. The SHARE program also provides liability coverage to the landowner.
According to CDFW's website, there are 42 properties that offer hunts through the SHARE program. Of these, 26 allow elk hunting, 12 allow deer hunting, ten allow quail hunting, eight allow dove hunting, five allow pig hunting, five allow turkey hunting, four allow bear hunting, two allow waterfowl hunting, and one allows pheasant hunting (note, that some properties allow for hunting of several different species). The SHARE program properties are found in 15 counties, with the most being found in Humboldt County. There had been one fishing opportunity available, which is currently closed.
This bill removes the cap on financial compensation given to landowners for their participation in the SHARE program. These prices were established in 2003 and have not been updated since. If these prices had reflected inflation over the last 20 years, landowners would be reimbursed $52 per acre or $87 per participant per day.
According to the Author
"[This bill] seeks to expand California's SHARE program, which currently offers outdoor recreation opportunities in only a limited number of counties, making it difficult for many outdoor enthusiasts to participate. By broadening access, this bill aligns with Governor Newsom's 30x30 initiative, which aims to ensure all Californians have opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Expanding the SHARE program will enhance recreational access, foster conservation efforts, and promote partnerships with private landowners to support biodiversity and sustainable outdoor experiences across the state."
Arguments in Support
A coalition of primarily hunting organizations writes in support of this bill. They laud the goals of the SHARE program, but note that the opportunities are limited to only some of California's counties. They believe this bill will expand the SHARE program by removing restrictions on outdated compensation and further requiring CDFW to partner with nonprofit organizations, which they claim CDFW is not doing in a significant way.
Arguments in Opposition
None on file.
FISCAL COMMENTS
According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee:
Increasing the statutory caps on financial incentives offered to landowners through the SHARE program will result in ongoing annual cost pressures to CDFW of an unknown amount, potentially in excess of $150,000 (SHARE Account). CDFW compensation through the SHARE program may not exceed permit application fee revenue collected by the department, minus the costs associated with operating the program.
VOTES
ASM WATER, PARKS, AND WILDLIFE: 13-0-0
YES: Papan, Jeff Gonzalez, Alvarez, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bennett, Boerner, Caloza, Hart, Macedo, Celeste Rodriguez, Rogers, Tangipa
ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 14-0-1
YES: Wicks, Arambula, Calderon, Caloza, Dixon, Elhawary, Fong, Mark González, Hart, Pacheco, Pellerin, Solache, Ta, Tangipa
ABS, ABST OR NV: Sanchez
UPDATED
VERSION: May 23, 2025
CONSULTANT: Stephanie Mitchell / W., P., & W. / (916) 319-2096 FN: 0000877
Date of Hearing: April 23, 2025
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Buffy Wicks, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1169
Author:(Jeff Gonzalez) – As Introduced Ver:February 21, 2025
Policy Committee: | Water, Parks and Wildlife | Vote: | 13 - 0 |
|
| ||
|
|
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill (1) requires the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to make grants to, or enter into agreements with, nonprofit conservation organizations, government entities, or other entities, when CDFW finds that those grants or agreements are necessary for the purposes of the Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) program, (2) removes price caps ($30 per acre or $50 per participant per day) on the financial compensation given to private landowners participating in the program, and (3) allows CDFW to reimburse specified entities for services related to program implementation.
FISCAL EFFECT:
Eliminating statutory caps on financial incentives offered to landowners through the SHARE program will result in ongoing annual cost pressures to CDFW of an unknown amount, almost certainly in excess of $150,000 (SHARE Account). As described further in the background below, CDFW compensation through the SHARE program may not exceed permit application fee revenue collected by the department, minus the costs associated with operating the program.
COMMENTS:
1) Purpose. According to the author:
[This bill] seeks to expand California’s SHARE program, which currently offers outdoor recreation opportunities in only a limited number of counties, making it difficult for many outdoor enthusiasts to participate. By broadening access, this bill aligns with Governor Newsom’s 30x30 initiative, which aims to ensure all Californians have opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Expanding the SHARE program will enhance recreational access, foster conservation efforts, and promote partnerships with private landowners to support biodiversity and sustainable outdoor experiences across the state.
2) Background. The SHARE program was established in the Fish and Game Code in 2003. It allows certain landowners to make their lands available to the public for hunting, fishing, or recreational activities in exchange for economic incentives and liability protection, under specified conditions. There are 101 million land acres in California, half of which are privately owned. The goal of SHARE is to provide public access to private or otherwise landlocked public land through collaborative partnerships with landowners.
Incentives vary based on the quality of the hunt or recreational opportunity but cannot exceed the statutory maximums – $30 per acre or $50 per participant per day. A non-refundable $14.61 application fee is charged for each access permit application, and access permits are awarded by random draw through CDFW’s online license service. CDFW issued 293 and 329 access permits in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Compensation cannot exceed revenues collected by the department.
The application fee increases with inflation annually. Fees are deposited into the SHARE Account, which is housed in CDFW’s Fish and Game Preservation Fund. Statute prohibits General Fund moneys from being used for the SHARE program. The moneys in the SHARE Account, upon appropriation by the Legislature, are available for expenditure by CDFW for the SHARE program and for the department’s administrative costs. The department collected $540,000 in fees and spent about $386,000 in fiscal year 2023-24. The fund balance as of June 30, 2024, is $1.9 million.
Supporters of the bill note that the SHARE program offers outdoor opportunities only in a limited number of counties, making it difficult for outdoor enthusiasts in some parts of the state to participate. The coalition argues that the caps on payments have not changed or been adjusted for inflation since they were created over 20 years ago. In addition, the coalition contends that CDFW does not currently contract with nonprofits in a significant way “despite the fact that some nonprofit organizations run their own outdoor access programs, have the necessary relationships with private landowners or own their own land.” The coalition writes:
The bill would: 1) remove the landowner payment limitations and instead allow DFW to determine the appropriate amount to pay each participating landowner, subject to an existing requirement that the payment is commensurate with the quality of the outdoor opportunity provided; and 2) require DFW to contract some of the work involved with the Program to nonprofit conservation groups. These changes would help to increase the number of landowners and members of the public participating in the Program.
Analysis Prepared by: Nikita Koraddi / APPR. / (916) 319-2081
Date of Hearing: April 8, 2025
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WATER, PARKS, AND WILDLIFE
Diane Papan, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1169 (
Author:Jeff Gonzalez) – As Introduced Ver:February 21, 2025
SUBJECT: Wildlife grants: Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement program
SUMMARY: Make changes to the Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement Program (SHARE). Specifically, this bill:
- Requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to make grants to, or enter into agreements with, nonprofit conservation organizations, government entities, or other entities, when CDFW finds that those grants or agreements are necessary for the purposes of the SHARE program.
- Removes the price caps on the financial compensation given to landowners participating in the SHARE program (i.e., $30 per acre or $50 per participant per day).
- Makes other technical changes.
EXISTING LAW:
- Establishes the SHARE program (Fish and Game Code §§ 1570 et seq.).
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown. This bill is keyed fiscal.
COMMENTS:
- Purpose of this bill. This bill (1) requires CDFW to make grants and agreements when it determines those grants and agreements are necessary and (2) removes the cap on financial compensation for landowners. According to the author, “[This bill] seeks to expand California’s SHARE program, which currently offers outdoor recreation opportunities in only a limited number of counties, making it difficult for many outdoor enthusiasts to participate. By broadening access, this bill aligns with Governor Newsom’s 30x30 initiative, which aims to ensure all Californians have opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Expanding the SHARE program will enhance recreational access, foster conservation efforts, and promote partnerships with private landowners to support biodiversity and sustainable outdoor experiences across the state.”
- Background. The SHARE program was established in the Fish and Game Code in 2003. It allows landowners (e.g., private landowners, non-profits, or government agencies) to make their lands available to the public for hunting, fishing, or recreational activities in exchange for economic incentives and liability protection, under specified conditions. Access permits are awarded by random draw through CDFW’s online license service. With over half of California’s acreage being privately owned, the goal of SHARE is to provide public access to private or otherwise landlocked public land through collaborative partnerships with landowners. A landowner may have interest in participating in the SHARE program because of the financial incentive, as a method to relieve wildlife damage on their property, or simply to expand available recreation area. The SHARE program also provides liability coverage to the landowner.
According to CDFW’s website, there are 42 properties that offer hunts through the SHARE program. Of these, 26 are allow elk hunting, 12 allow deer hunting, ten allow quail hunting, eight allow dove hunting, five allow pig hunting, five allow turkey hunting, four allow bear hunting, two allow waterfowl hunting, and one allows pheasant hunting (note, that some properties allow for hunting of several different species). The SHARE program properties are found in 15 counties, with the most being found in Humboldt County. There had been one fishing opportunity available, which is currently closed.
This bill removes the cap on financial compensation given to landowners for their participation in the SHARE program. These prices were established in 2003 and have not been updated since. If these prices had reflected inflation over the last 20 years, landowners would be reimbursed $52 per acre or $87 per participant per day.
- Arguments in support. A coalition of primarily hunting organizations writes in support of this bill. They laud the goals of the SHARE program, but note that the opportunities are limited to only some of California’s counties. They believe this bill will expand the SHARE program by removing restrictions on outdated compensation and further requiring CDFW to partner with nonprofit organizations, which they claim CDFW is not doing in a significant way.
- Related legislation. AB 1423 (Berryhill), Chapter 394, Statutes of 2009, allows the SHARE program to be initiated without the Fish and Game Commission verifying sufficient public interest, expands the properties that may be used for the SHARE program, and authorizes an additional compensation option to landowners of $50 per public participant per day.
AB 396 (Harman), Chapter 394, Statutes of 2003, established the SHARE program at CDFW.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
California Waterfowl Association (Sponsor)
Black Brant Group, the
California Bowman Hunters
California Chapter Wild Sheep Foundation
California Deer Association
California Houndsmen for Conservation
California Rice Commission
California State Chapter - National Wild Turkey Federation
Delta Waterfowl
Ducks Unlimited
Howl for Wildlife
Northern California Water Association
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Sacramento Safari Club
Safari Club International
San Diego County Wildlife Federation
San Francisco Bay Area Chapter - Safari Club International
Tulare Basin Wetlands Association
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: Stephanie Mitchell / W., P., & W. / (916) 319-2096
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):