The Division of Boating and Waterways is now accepting applications through July 31, 2019 from public and private marina owners for Federal Boating Infrastructure Grants (BIG). For 2020, a total of $14 million is available for BIG projects nationally. 

With the official kickoff of the boating season approaching this coming Memorial Day weekend, the Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is reminding water enthusiasts to keep themselves and their loved ones safe during National Safe Boating Week and throughout the year. DBW advises boaters to always check the water conditions­­––whether it’s the California coast or inland rivers and lakes––and their safety equipment, and always wear a life jacket.

The Division of Boating and Waterways and the California Coastal Commission ask boaters to practice environmentally sound boating habits not only today on Earth Day, but throughout the year. Preserving the environment every day helps keep California’s waterways healthy all year long.

The Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is encouraging public agencies to apply for grants to prevent the spread of quagga and zebra mussels in California’s waterways. A total of $3.75 million in funding from the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation Prevention Grant Program (QZ Grant Program) is available for eligible applicants. Applications will be accepted from April 2, 2019 through May 10, 2019 by 5 p.m. 

With the Sierra Nevada snowpack estimated at 153 percent of average, California’s Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is warning water enthusiasts including anglers to take extra precautions this spring. Rivers will continue to rise as snow melts and will be dangerously cold. Simple actions such as knowing the water conditions (is it too cold or swift?), knowing your limits, wearing a life jacket and simply not entering rivers during spring runoff, can save a life.

The Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is set to begin this year’s efforts to control aquatic invasive plants in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region and Suisun Marsh. Pending weather conditions, DBW will begin herbicide treatment next week for water hyacinth, South American spongeplant, Uruguay water primrose, alligatorweed, Brazilian waterweed, curlyleaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, coontail and fanwort as part of an integrated plant control program.

The Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) invites marinas and yacht club operators to attend a free seminar to learn about the proper way to respond to an oil spill. As waterfront stakeholders, marina and yacht club operators have extensive local waterway and boating knowledge. Attending a workshop will help these individuals learn about the tools and resources available to increase communication capabilities between boating facilities and the Office of Emergency Services during an oil spill. 

The Division of Boating and Waterways and its partners invite everyone accessing California’s waterways to learn how to prevent the further spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) into uninfected waterways. Starting next month, AIS experts from the division, California Coastal Commission, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife will be holding free workshops to help the public learn how they can recognize AIS in their region and how to take action to prevent it from spreading. Workshops are free, but space is limited and pre-registration is required.

The Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) invites the public to become volunteers and help keep California’s rivers, lakes and ocean clean by becoming Dockwalkers. These individuals help raise awareness about clean boating practices through the distribution of boater kits filled with educational information and pollution prevention tools. Dockwalkers also interact one-on-one with recreational boaters at marinas, boat launch ramps and boating events. Participation in the program, including the training sessions, qualifies as community service.

The Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is now accepting grant applications for the disposal of abandoned and unwanted vessels. Up to $2.75 million in funding from the Abandoned Watercraft Abatement Fund (AWAF) may be available to local public agencies statewide for the Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange grant program (SAVE). Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2019 by 5 p.m. For those interested in applying for these grants, DBW is hosting a workshop to guide new applicants and returning grantees.