Ducks in Flight Credit: CDFW
AB 1987 dedicates nearly $6 million in existing revenues to maintain critical habitat and public access
September 6, 2026 - SACRAMENTO, CA. — On Thursday, Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) announced that Assembly Bill 1987 (AB 1987) passed the California Legislature, advancing legislation to provide more reliable funding for California’s State Wildlife Areas. AB 1987 now moves to Governor Newsom’s desk.
“California’s Wildlife Areas, like our Sacramento-area Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, show just how much good we can do when we take care of our wetlands and the wildlife that depend on them,” said Assembly Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry. “I’m proud to work alongside the Yolo Basin Foundation and others who understand that if these lands are going to keep serving our communities, we need to make sure the dollars they generate are going right back into taking care of them. And that’s what AB 1987 does.”
AB 1987 would dedicate existing hunter-generated fees and agricultural lease revenues back to the Type A and Type B Wildlife Areas where they are generated—nearly $6 million annually. The bill creates no new taxes or fees and does not change hunting or agricultural lease costs or access. California has lost more than 90 percent of its historic wetlands, making the conservation and management of remaining wetland habitat especially important. Yet many Wildlife Areas face chronic staffing and operations challenges, with rising costs for water pumping, habitat management, invasive species control, and other essential maintenance.
“AB 1987 will help ensure a more stable, reliable source of annual funding for state wildlife areas crucial to California’s waterfowl conservation efforts, and it will support outdoor recreational opportunities for the public,” said Vice President of Advocacy Mark Hennelly, California Waterfowl Association. “Our association greatly appreciates Assembly Member Aguilar-Curry’s willingness to carry this important legislation.”
Aguiar-Curry concludes, “AB 1987 will give our Wildlife Area managers a more stable, dependable funding source to keep these lands healthy and accessible. That’s good for our wildlife, good for conservation, and good for Californian families who enjoy these public lands.”
Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry represents California’s 4th Assembly District, which includes all of Lake, Colusa, Napa, and Yolo Counties, and part of Sonoma County. She serves as the Assembly Majority Leader and Chair of the California Women’s Legislative Caucus.
Source: Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry