AB 2627: California Rangeland, Grazing Land, and Grassland Protection Program.

The bill aims to protect California's rangeland, grazing land, and grasslands by acquiring conservation easements on privately owned qualified property that supports food and fiber production and ecosystem services. The state will award grants to eligible entities to acquire these easements and reduce wildfire fuel, promote groundwater recharge, and create wildlife habitats. The grants will be funded by $90 million from a bond measure approved by voters in 2024. The grant recipients must spend the funds to acquire a conservation easement and record it by June 30, 2029. The bill also allows the state to partner with certified land trusts to receive funding for conservation easement acquisition.