How we Work
Tulare Basin Wildlife Partners (TBWP) serves as the go-to organization for land and water conservation, working as the catalyst for positive environmental change in California's southern San Joaquin Valley. TBWP aims to develop creative conservation solutions that benefit all segments of society with an eye toward balancing nature, agriculture, and the economy. Through leadership, advocacy, and a unique organizational model, TBWP works to form partnerships, implement projects, educate the public, and secure funding for wildlife and their habitats in the Tulare Basin.
Form Partnerships
TBWP cooperates, coordinates, and collaborates with individuals, business, non-profit, and agency partners by serving as a resource for the Tulare Basin Working Group, an alliance of more than 70 partners concerned with quality of life in the Tulare Basin. TBWP assists major public and private partners by developing the resources needed for protecting and restoring natural communities in the Tulare Basin.
Key partners include: Bureau of Land Management, California Department of Conservation, California Department of Fish & Game, California Department of Water Resources, California State Parks, Central Valley Joint Venture, Tulare Basin Wetlands Association, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and other local and regional partners. Click on partners at left for a complete listing of partners.
Implement Projects
TBWP is a science-driven, collaborative organization that uses the most current and complete data to identify priorities, engage significant partners, and provide strategic assistance to implement land conservation and restoration projects. Based on direction from the Tulare Basin Working Group and other stakeholders, TBWP promotes regional watershed-based integrated resource management and long-term stewardship of the Tulare Basin's resources.
TBWP works with agencies, funders, and interested landowners to complete regional land and water conservation plans; restore upland and wetland habitat for wildlife; complete voluntary conservation agreements with ranchers and farmers that conserve land while allowing for wildlife-friendly agriculture; evaluate conservation bank locations to assist local governments in completing public service projects; and improve water supplies to private wetland owners in the Tulare Basin.
Educate the Public
TBWP strives to create opportunities for nature and people in the Tulare Basin and works to educate the public, including residents, decision-makers, and partners, about this important regional system. Through presentations, guided tours, volunteer opportunities, and publications, the organization provides learning opportunities for a wide-range of audiences. If you would like more information about these and other exciting ways to get involved, please contact TBWP.
Secure Funding
TBWP partners with a wide range of public agencies and private organizations to secure funding for conservation, restoration and education projects in the Tulare Basin. Current and recent project funders include:
- Bureau of Land Management
- California Department of Conservation, Watershed Coordinator P rogram
- California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley, Seed Grant Program
- Combined Federal Campaign (Kern, Inyo & Mono counties; Kings-Tulare counties; Fresno-Madera counties)
- County of Fresno
- County of Tulare
- JiJi Foundation
- Kenny Brothers Foundation
- Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Natural Resources Conservation Service, Wetland Reserve Program
- Resources Legacy Fund Foundation
- RollGiving Matching Gifts (Paramount Farms)
- Tulare Basin Wetlands Association
- U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Central Valley Project Conservation Program - Mid-Pacific Region
- U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, South Central California Area Office
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Central Valley Joint Venture
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Central Valley Project Improvement Act Habitat Restoration Program
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serivce, Kern National Wildlife Refuge Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Migratory Bird Program (Region 8)
Special thanks to these important partners for their investment in conserving wildlife and their habitats in the Tulare Basin.
Organizational Model
TBWP is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization consisting of a small board and a network of professional resource people. An accomplished board of directors provides guidance and direction, as well oversight and accountability for the organization. TBWP contracts with leading specialists to implement specific projects in a cost-effective manner. TBWP chose this organizational structure in order to be flexible enough to serve specific project interests while maximizing resources that can be devoted to significant and tangible conservation results.
